Wheels come off for high-flyers

Local celebrities are living the high life, and it is getting them in trouble with the law.

Soapie heart-throb Clint Brink and hip-hop singer Ishmael Morabe from the group Jozi appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on charges of possession of drugs, while sports commentator Dumile Mateza appeared in the same court after being caught allegedly driving drunk.

It emerged yesterday that Morabe was arrested at dawn on Sunday, along with his friends Mlungisi Chakala and Aretha Sebola. Morabe was due to release a solo album on Friday.

Lance Stehr, from Morabe's recording label, Ghetto Ruff, said yesterday: "I am not worried at all. I don't think there is a strong case against Ishmael, [but] I can't speak for the other two."

He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of drugs, reckless and negligent driving and resisting arrest.

The three were nabbed in Randburg allegedly while driving from a party in Fourways.

While his pals have been in custody since their arrest, Morabe was released on R1500 bail later that evening.

Meanwhile a warrant for Morabe's arrest has been issued after he failed to appear in court as scheduled yesterday, allegedly because he had a "stomach ache," according to his lawyer.

Magistrate Kathy Mnisi, however, did not accept Morabe's excuse and issued the warrant.

The drugs allegedly found in their possession have been taken for forensic evaluation.

US R&B singing sensation Puff Johnson, who is said to be Morabe's girlfriend, was reportedly seen by sources at the Randburg police station on Sunday.

Meanwhile singer and Scandal actor Brink, who also paid an undisclosed amount of bail prior to his court appearance yesterday, was not asked to plead to a charge of possession of dagga.

The actor was arrested in Windsor, northern Johannesburg.

He had allegedly stopped to buy dagga, and was apprehended in his silver BMW shortly after making the purchase.

The amount of drugs found in Brink's car are not yet known, but he was warned to avail himself for court later this month.

Mateza, who was arrested earlier last month for drunk driving, briefly appeared in court.

The charge sheet for his case has not yet been concluded.