Jub Jub lawyer accused of not respecting the court

Defence lawyer Ike Motloung has been late for court six out of the 12 times the court has sat for the murder trial of Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye and Themba Tshabalala, the state prosecutor said on Monday.

“He [Motloung] is later than members of the public and family members of deceased,” Raymond Mathenjwa told the Protea Magistrate’s Court.

“[It] seems as if he does not respect the court times. I think this court must instil discipline in terms of court times,” he said.

Motloung responded that he had arrived at 9.10am and that Mathenjwa had not told him that court had already started.

“If Mr Mathenjwa had informed [me] that court had already started I would have come to your chambers,” he told magistrate Brian Nemabidi.

“I don’t live in Soweto.

‘Playing to the gallery’
He did not believe he had been late five times before Monday.

“I don’t know where he [Mathenjwa] keeps a record.

“Maybe he is playing to the gallery. I don’t know.”

Motloung apologised to the court and the trial resumed.

Metro police officer Constable Velemina Mojela took to the witness stand on Monday morning.

Maarohanye and Tshabalala were allegedly drag-racing when one of their Mini Coopers ploughed into a group of schoolchildren on Mdlalose Drive, in Protea North, on March 8 last year.

Four children died in the accident and two others suffered severe injuries, including brain damage.

Maarohanye and Tshabalala face charges of murder, attempted murder and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.—Sapa