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Molemo Jub Jub Maarohanye during his murder trial in the Protea Magistrates Court. Photo: Dumisani Sibeko
A bid for some witnesses to be recalled in the murder trial of musician Molemo ‘Jub Jub’ Maarohanye and co-accused Themba Tshabalala was denied on Thursday.
Prosecutor Raymond Mathenjwa applied in the Protea Magistrate’s Court to recall experts who estimated distances.
The distances related to the alleged drag race between the two accused, and the point where their Mini Coopers landed after crashing into a group of school children in Soweto.
The two are facing charges of murder, attempted murder and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Four children were killed and two others injured in the accident on Mdlalose Street, between Protea North and Protea Glen, on March 8 last year.
Mathenjwa argued the court should recall the witnesses and visit the scene of accident to find facts, in order to serve justice.
Defence lawyers opposed the application, saying the trial was far too advanced to recall the witnesses and visit the crash scene. They argued the move would have dire financial implications for their clients.
Defence attorney Ike Motloung said the financial problems of his client, Maarohanye, were already known. Motloung recently wanted to withdraw from representing him because he was not paid.
Magistrate Brian Nemabidi ruled the State’s application was premature and denied it.
The prosecution closed its case.
The defence was still expected to lead its witnesses, and the trial was postponed to Monday. –
Sapa