Rapper Simiso “OkMalumKoolKat” Zwane has been arrested and jailed on charges of sexual assault in Tasmania, Australia.
33-year-old rapper, who featured on Rikhado “Riky Rick” Makhado’s smash hit Amantombazane, received a six-month jail sentence (five months suspended) in Hobart, Tasmania for sexually “mauling” a female colleague in a Hobart hotel room while attending the 2016 MONA FOMA festival.
According to reports, he returned drunk to the Old Woolstore Hotel and was unable to find his room, following which he entered a female artist’s hotel room and indecently assaulted her.
It is said that Zwane’s lawyers requested a fine instead of a jail sentence but were knocked back as the artist was scheduled to leave Australia the next day and the fine could not be enforced.
A statement issued by his public relations team said: “At this stage, we have limited information regarding the judgment on Simiso Zwane in Australia, but with no previous legal charges or history of any violence whatsoever and knowing Simiso as we and most of you all do, we can say that the news comes as a huge surprise and one which has truly rocked us all.
“Having said this, we are by no means disputing the woman’s claims which are taken incredibly seriously and must abide by the courts ruling.
“Our thoughts are with all affected and who will continue to be affected by this terrible situation.
“We will update you on the progress of this incident. Your patience during this period will be greatly appreciated. We ask that all queries be directed to his PR team at Stamp Communications.”
Zwane was featured on Cassper Nyovest’s hit song Gusheshe . He is currently signed to Austrian label Affine Records, under which he has released his debut extended play (EP), titled Holy Oxygen .