The trial of hip hop artist Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye and co-accused Themba Tshabalala is expected to resume in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
At a previous appearance, the court heard that a Legal Aid lawyer would not be appointed for the musician because he had failed to complete the required application process at the Dobsonville Justice Centre.
Maarohanye’s former lawyer Ike Motloung withdrew from the case because his client was unable to pay him.
Maarohanye and Tshabalala face charges of murder, attempted murder and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
They were allegedly drag-racing when one of their Mini Coopers ploughed into a group of schoolchildren in Mdlalose Street, Protea North, on March 8 2010.
Andile Mtombeni (19), Phomelelo Masemelo (16), Mlungisi Cwayi and Prince Mahube, both aged 17, were killed as they were walking home from school. Fumani Mushwana (17) and Frank Mlabo (18) suffered serious injuries, including brain damage.
During the bail hearing, the prosecution said preliminary tests showed that Maarohanye had cocaine and morphine in his system. Tshabalala was twice over the legal alcohol limit.
Maarohanye broke down in tears when he took the stand last year.
“I’ve never committed a crime. I don’t intend to … I’ll do anything to get my life back on track. I’ve been going through a lot of emotional stress with everything that’s been happening. I just need time to be with my family and unborn child. I just want to be alone from everyone.”
Both accused, who pleaded not guilty to the crime, were out on R10Â 000 bail.
Initial court appearances were marred by violence as scores of children protested against the granting of bail. Police resorted to using water cannons and firing rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. — Sapa