US musician Mos Def faces immigration charges in SA

His family however must leave the country by Friday, next week. 

Mos Def - who's been living in Cape Town for a few years - was arrested last week after he tried to fly out by producing an unrecognised so-called world passport. 

Briefing reporters in Johannesburg, Home Affairs Director-General Mkuseli Apleni said Bey whose real name is Dante Smith faces charges for contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. 

At a media briefing in Johannesburg, Home Affairs Director-General Mkuseli Apleni assured reporters proper procedure was followed in Mos Def's matter.

"Since the dawn of democracy, we have been open and we will remain open and receptive to other countries. As long as this is done within the confines of the law,"he said.   

Mos Def says he's being held against his will in Cape Town by South African authorities. 

Mos Def left a 10-minute long voice message on the website of Kanye West - accusing the department of Home Affairs of wasting his time.

"Please tell them - no more parties in SA. I'll leave, I'll stay away. I don't feel safe being prevented from leaving. This government has made false claims against me. Anyone can research the world passport, it is not a fictitious document," he said. 

Listen to the clip below.