Namibian based lawyer Kadhila Amoomo of Kadila Amomo legal practitioners has revealed that his client, Elton Mulenga popularly known as Yo maps was arrested for shooting a music video.
This is in a case where Yo Maps was over the weekend arrested in Namibia for allegedly staging a performance without a work VISA.
However speaking during an interview with Hot FM this morning, Amoomo ruled out the incident as a case of an oversight and misunderstanding on the immigration officials part, citing that Yo Maps had delivered all correct and necessary documents.
According to the counsel; "It wasn't a musical concert; our understanding is that they were merely shooting a video which required them to be on a stage."
"We cannot delve much into the details as the case is still before the court," said the legal counsel. "However, we believe this incident stemmed from a misinterpretation of the Immigration and Control Act of Namibia.
The immigration officials seem to have overlooked several documents that were provided, which had been presented to the organisers and granted permissions."
Amoomo highlighted that the incident has sparked a debate over the interpretation of activities that constitute a musical performance.
The legal council further urged the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to review and implement laws that prevent such incidents.
"SADC needs to come on board and look into these rules because we cannot have a situation where international artistes visiting other countries having to look over their shoulders to avoid arrests," he said.
This incident comes at a time when Zambia and Namibia have been working to strengthen their bilateral relations.
"Last year, the two countries signed four agreements, including those on tourism and protecting intellectual property."
"Such acts are an indictment on the two nations' relationship, as we cannot have situations where artistes are arrested and thrown into custody," Amoomo added.
He shared that Yo Maps was charged with contravening the Immigration and Control Act and appeared in court on Monday.
Initially, immigration authorities sought to detain the "Nga Teba Yaweh" hit maker for the prescribed minimum period of 14 days for prohibited immigrants.
However, his legal team managed to secure his release.
"He was fined 5,000 Namibian Dollars after bail was refunded. Initially, his bail was set at 3,000 Namibian Dollars, but he had to top up an additional 2,000 Namibian Dollars," the counsel explained.
Amoomo said the case was finalised yesterday but remains under review, with hopes that the previous misdemeanor charge against Yo Maps will be expunged.
Yo Maps has since been reported to have left Namibia for Zambia.
By Elesani Phiri
Kalemba July 17, 2024