R. Kelly Maintains Ignorance of South Africa Scam

R&B artist says there's "no truth" to reports that he received money from a woman who allegedly stole thousands from investors, offers to "cooperate fully" with investigation

If there's anyone who needs to watch his step these days, it's R. Kelly.

The R&B star, who was acquitted of child pornography charges in June, has denied any knowledge of a fraud scam allegedly wrought by a South African woman who's said to have bilked at least $130,000 from investors under the guise of raising funds for an R. Kelly concert in 2005.

She then deposited the money into the singer's bank account, according to police, who say that they found a deposit slip in her office proving the transaction took place and have confirmed that the account belongs to the Grammy winner, whose full name is Robert Kelly.

Authorities said they're looking to question him—and Kelly's looking to answer.

"There is absolutely no truth to the reports that R. Kelly received money from a South African woman accused of swindling investors by convincing them to invest in a nonexistent R. Kelly tour in 2005," read a statement released Tuesday by Kelly's camp.

"Mr. Kelly has no knowledge of this woman, has never received any money from her, and has not been contacted by any law enforcement authorities regarding the matter. He will, of course, cooperate fully with any legitimate investigation of this matter, since he has nothing to hide."

Busiswe Zakwe is accused of telling investors that they could make a return on their money from ticket sales when Kelly came to perform. She's scheduled to appear in a Durban court Sept. 10, according to WENN.