SOMIZI SEX TRIAL POSTPONED

The trial of local gay celebrity Somizi Mhlongo, for allegedly indecently assaulting a fan, has been postponed to next month.

Mhlongo was arrested in November 2007 after he was accused by a male fan of having fondled the man’s “private parts” following a request for an autograph. He was released on R 2,000 bail at the time, without being asked to plead.

On Tuesday, Mhlongo appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court where Magistrate Mombakazi Thwele postponed the case until March 7 to allow the star’s new attorney to prepare for the case.

The actor and choreographer arrived wearing a cap emblazoned with the words “F***ing criminal” and appeared unperturbed by the proceedings. “We will see what will happen in March,” he told reporters.

Mhlongo is best known for the television talk show, Intimate Connexionz, which he hosted in his drag persona of Madam Gigi. He also appeared in movies such as Sarafina and Cry the Beloved Country, and was one of the subjects of the documentary Black Beulahs.

Although he has a son, Mhlongo is openly gay.