US actor and rapper Mos Def has been arrested in South Africa for travelling with a fraudulent passport, a government spokesman said.

The New York-born star, who now goes by the name Yasiin Bey, has appeared in court after being arrested at Cape Town International Airport on Thursday.

Department of Home Affairs spokesman Mayihlome Tshwete said the 42-year-old told officials he was carrying a "world passport".

The spokesman said: "There is no such thing."

As well as his music career, Mos Def - born Dante Smith - has starred in films such as The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, The Italian Job and Life Of Crime.

South African newspaper the Mail and Guardian said he has lived in Cape Town since May 2013.

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