State disputes Jub Jub 'black out' claim

The State prosecutor in the murder trial of Molemo 'Jub Jub' Maarohanye on Tuesday disputed the musician's claim that he blacked out during an accident that killed four school boys.

Raymond Mathenjwa told him in the Protea Magistrate's Court that he had given different versions with regard to the black out.

"If you say you did not hit anyone until you hit the trees means you did not have a black out," he said.

On Monday Maarohanye told the court he blacked out when he hit a curb after co-accused Themba Tshabalala crashed into his car.

He said when he woke up his car had hit a tree and was on its side. He said he had not struck any of the school children when he crashed, and he knew this because his car did not have blood on it.

Maarohanye is on trial with Tshabalala on charges of murder, attempted murder and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Their Mini Coopers allegedly crashed into a group of school children, killing four boys and injuring two others, on Mdlalose Street in Protea North in Soweto on March 8, last year.

Mathenjwa further asked Maarohanye if he had informed his attorney Ike Motloung that he had lost consciousness during the car crash. He said no.

He referred to evidence given by witness Katlego Nkomo that Maarohanye crashed into two children from Almond High School and that his attorney never disputed this. Mathenjwa asked him why this was the case. Maarohanye said he could not explain.

He told Maarohanye that his friend Tumelo Mukoka, who was a passenger in his car during the accident, did not mention that he blacked out.

Mathenjwa then read out Mukoka's testimony that Maarohanye's car was hit by Tshabalala's, causing Maarohanye to lose control and hit a curb. Mukoka further said after striking the curb Maarohanye tried to control his car, but it landed on its side on the side of the road.

The trial continues at 2pm. It started just before noon because Tshabalala's attorney Mlungiseleni Soviti arrived late.