Makhadzi’s producer Lynol Siwela, commonly known as Mr Brown, was sent back to his home country of Zimbabwe by Home Affairs after reportedly overstaying in South Africa and failing to renew his work permit.
Speaking from Harare, Zimbabwe, the Open Mic Productions producer of seven years told ZiMoja that he was stopped at the border gate upon returning to South Africa from Botswana. “It’s not a big deal, really. I overstayed for a month. I was supposed to renew my work permit but didn’t get a chance. I was staying in SA legally, I even have a wife and a child on the way.”
He then told the publication that he was alone when he was stopped. “My only issue was that the label was supposed to help me to sort the matter in three days but they said it was too costly to pay my lawyer and I was sent back home.” He added, “I overstayed and I was then supposed to appeal but I didn’t and that is how I was refused entry back to South Africa.”
The producer added that he is worried about his wife who is due to give birth this month, however, he is delaying his return to South Africa on purpose. “To be honest, I am avoiding the drama that is currently happening between Makhadzi and Open Mic. I don’t want to be seen as taking sides or be caught in the crossfire, so I want to stay in Zim until the dust settles.”
