JOHANNESBURG Oct 16 (Reuters) – One of South Africa’s
foremost hip hop musicians was convicted on Tuesday of murdering
four school children while street racing, drunk and on drugs,
through Soweto, bringing an end to a trial that has gripped the
country for more than two years.
The court found Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye and his friend,
Themba Tshabalala, guilty on four counts of murder and two of
attempted murder after their speeding Mini Coopers ploughed into
the children as they walked back from school in the sprawling
Johannesburg township in March 2010.
“The death of the deceased was caused by the accuseds’
reckless driving at high speeds while under the influence of
drugs and alcohol,” judge Brian Nemavhidi said.
The pair have not yet been sentenced but could face life in
prison.
A TV personality and music star, Maarohanye appeared
emotionless as he heard the verdict, which was broadcast live on
television. The mother of one of the victims passed out during
the proceedings and had to be carried from the court.
Road accidents kill nearly 40 people every day in South
Africa, with unreliable vehicles and poor driving – including
excessive speeding and drunkenness – mostly to blame.
(Reporting by Peroshni Govender; Editing by Ed Cropley)
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