Sibusiso Gcabashe who claimed to be the late popular maskandi Mgqumeni Khumalo appears briefly at the Nquthu Magistrate Court. Picture: Khaya Ngwenya

The man who claimed to be the late maskandi musician Mgqumeni Khumalo is to undergo mental observation, the Nqutu Magistrate’s Court has been told.

Sibusiso John Dlamini-Gcabashe, 29, is facing charges of fraud and perjury.

On Tuesday he walked into the court room and avoided eye contact with Khumalo’s family, who filled the public gallery.

Police cordoned off a part of the Nqutu Magistrate’s Court yesterday to keep the public away from the courtroom.

Sources said the extra security was necessary as death threats had been made against Dlamini-Gcabashe earlier this week.

Prosecutor Sam Mpungose told the court that Dlamini-Gcabashe should undergo mental observation.

“The things he has done make me doubt that he is sane,” he said.

Mpungose applied for a seven-day remand for the observation and for further investigation.

Gcabashe’s legal aid lawyer said he would be applying for bail.

Khumalo died on December 19, 2009 on his way to see a traditional healer.

He was buried at his home in Nqutu, northern KZN, in a high-profile funeral in early 2010 attended by politicians, radio personalities and scores of fans.

But there was a twist last week when Dlamini-Gcabashe was spotted in Nqutu and referred to himself as Mgqumeni.

The news made headlines nationally.

In court, Dlamini-Gcabashe was informed of his rights.

Magistrate MOE Nkosi adjourned the matter to February 14 for a bail hearing and the report on his mental state.

Dlamini-Gcabashe will remain in custody.