If you’ve been following South African music and news lately, you may have come across a rather intense story unfolding in the realm of celebrity drama. Renowned musician and producer, Sello “Chicco” Twala, has found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, as he publicly addressed the struggles and alleged crimes of his son, Longwe Twala.
On a recent Tuesday, Chicco and his sons, including Longwe, appeared at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, where things took a dramatic turn. Chicco accused Longwe of being a “thief and a druggie,” claiming that he has stolen from him multiple times, with the latest incident involving the theft of studio equipment worth a whopping R200,000 while Chicco was abroad in the United States, according to The South African.
In a candid interview with Newzroom Afrika outside the courthouse, Chicco opened up about the painful decision to involve the police. “I did everything I could to help him be a better person,” he shared. However, after witnessing his son’s repeated offenses and refusal to change, he felt backed into a corner. “I thought enough was enough!” Chicco exclaimed, explaining that despite all the rehabilitation attempts—over 30 stints, mind you—Longwe continued to struggle with drug addiction and a pattern of criminal behavior.
Chicco revealed that the descent into drug use began when Longwe was just 18 years old, and here he is 20 years later still in the grips of addiction. “He lies all the time that he has stopped using drugs, and I’ve reached a point where I said enough is enough. I’d rather see him serving time in prison than seeing him suffer in the streets,” he reflected, expressing a grim resignation about the situation.
In an ironic twist, this isn’t Longwe’s first brush with the law or the headlines. His name is tied to the ongoing high-profile trial surrounding the murder of former Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa. Longwe was present during the incident and is reportedly a state witness, although he has yet to testify in court. Defense lawyers have even suggested he may have played a more direct role in the tragic event, further complicating his circumstances.
This family saga raises many questions about the impact of fame and fortune on personal relationships, particularly when substance abuse and crime enter the mix. As a parent, Chicco Twala’s story highlights the anguish that can accompany watching a loved one spiral out of control despite all attempts to guide them back to the straight and narrow.
In a world where many turn to addiction as an escape, the struggle for families dealing with similar issues is indeed real. Chicco’s courageous stance may just be a wake-up call for other parents facing similar choices, blending the painful realities of love, accountability, and the hope for redemption, even when that hope means facing a harsh truth in a court of law.
