Jub Jub appeal sets stage for Pistorius sentencing
As several high profile court cases continue to bring media attention to South Africa, the successful appeal of the internationally overlooked Jub Jub conviction may offer some insight into what fate awaits Pistorius and Dewani
South African hip hop performer Molemo Maarohanye, also known as “Jub Jub” has had his murder conviction overturned and has instead been convicted of culpable homicide — the same conviction as in the case of Oscar Pistorius.
His prison sentence has subsequently been reduced to ten years, two of which have already been served, down from the previous 25-year conviction. The successful appeal, led by the same team of legal experts as Oscar Pistorius’s defence, has also resulted in a reduced sentence for Jub Jub’s co-defendant Themba Tshabalala. The two could subsequently be released on parole within few years.
Jub Jub is one of the most recognised names in South Africa’s local rap music scene, but his popularity took a major blow when he killed four Soweto children in a car crash in 2010 after drag racing with other cars under the influence of drugs. Two other children suffered brain injuries, which will keep them highly disabled for life.
During his appeal hearing at the High Court in Johannesburg it was proven that there had been no intention to injure and kill the victims.
While the case itself may not attract the same kind of attention as Oscar Pistorius and Shrien Dewani did, it may still set a precedent that could influence the eventual outcome of either of the two high profile cases, as Dewani continues to unravel his most intimate experiences in court and Pistorius prepares to hear his sentencing later this week.
