Julius blasted for jail visit

STEVEN TAU and SAPA

JOHANNESBURG - ANC Youth league leader Julius Malema has raised the ire of angry school pupils over his visit to murder accused Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye.

Malema earlier this week visited Jub Jub in prison ahead of the singer’s court appearance.

As more chaotic scenes unfolded outside the Protea Magistrate’s Court in Soweto, some pupils blasted Malema for siding with Jub Jub and not coming to support them. “If Julius Malema continues to visit Jub Jub we are going to follow him to his house and burn it,” said a girl who called herself “Nelly”.

“Why is he visiting Jub Jub in prison? He is the youth league president, he should be with us, outside.”

Police were again forced to disperse angry crowds by shooting at them with rubber bullets.

Maarohanye pleaded not guilty to the murder and attempted murder charges.

A crying Jub Jub denied the police’s claims he was under the influence of drugs when he was involved in the car crash which killed four teenagers and seriously injured two others last week.

When asked if he would tamper with the investigations if granted bail Jub Jub answered: “No, I will do anything just to get my life back on track.” In further response to questions posed to him by his lawyer Ike Motloung, Jub Jub said he never committed any crime, describing the crash as a “pure” accident.

“I extend my condolences to the families of the bereaved. To the media, why crucify me and my career, it was just an accident, may their souls rest in peace,” he said, referring to the four victims.

He told the court he needs some time to spend with his family and unborn child if granted bail. He said on the day of the accident he had picked up a friend and was on his way to his father’s butchery, where he met his co-accused.

After leaving the shop, Jub Jub said Tshabalala was following him to Protea Glen where he wanted to show the artist some “equipment”.

When the court asked why the pair were driving side-by side on a two-way road, Jub Jub refused to answer, saying only he was on the left of the road.

Prosecutor Liezl van Jaarsveld asked him: “Do you think you will be able to walk outside freely? Do you feel your life is threatened?

“I will make arrangements. God is my Saviour, God will protect me,” he said. If released on bail, he said he and his family would go far away.

Jub Jub’s co-accused, Themba Tshabalala, did not take to the stand, but his lawyer read out his affidavit.

“Accused number two intends visiting the bereaved families if granted bail.

“I am not a flight risk and as a bread winner at home, I need to be at home as my mother is gravely ill.”

More chaos erupted outside the court yard with hundreds of students calling for the accused to be denied bail.

The bail application continues today.