Mpho Keneilwe from Chiawelo, said the hardest thing to lose a child can easily break families.
“We’re happy with the outcome and pray families of the deceased accept what has happened,” she says.
Mpho More from Protea Glen, not far from were the unfortunate accident took place- who was flooded with tears streaming down uncontrollably -quipped without reservations that they deserve to rot in jail.
“Killing innocent school children who were excited to see Jub Jub in person has shattered and divided communities. Whether they’ve shown remorse or not we hope they’ve learnt their lesson and others who also do drugs and binge alcohol would take a leaf from this sentencing.”
“To the affected families our prayers are with you, bagaetsho. Gomotsegang,” said More, with her head bowed.
Some went as far as calling for harsher sentence and if possible, get the same treatment in prison.
“I feel broken, because I might not have the opportunity to have a future and look after my family.”
Musician Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye’s co-accused Themba Tshabalala said he felt remorse after being found guilty on four counts of murder and two of attempted murder.
“I feel broken,” he told the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
“Because I might not have the opportunity to have a future and look after my family.”
Opposing bail, prosecutor Liesel van Jaarsveld told Tshabalala that he made his bail application all about himself and had not mentioned the families of the schoolchildren.
“Do you have any remorse?” she asked.
He replied: “I do, none of those kids deserved to die.”
The State brought an application for Maarohanye and Tshabalala to be kept in custody after they were found guilty of murder and attempted murder.
“After conviction, the witness is expected to address your worship thoroughly on sentencing,” prosecutor Raymond Mathenjwa said.
“We can’t do it today… We ask that we adjourn to November 30 for sentencing. The accused were convicted of a schedule six offence and we request that they be remanded in custody.”
Maarohanye and Themba Tshabalala were found guilty on four counts of murder and two of attempted murder.
“The State managed to prove beyond reasonable doubt… that the accused are guilty on four counts of murder… [and] two counts of attempted murder,” said Magistrate Brian Nemavhidi.
He also convicted them of racing on a public road and driving while under the influence of drugs.
Maarohanye and Tshabalala were drag-racing in Protea North on March 8, 2010 when they crashed into a group of schoolchildren.
Prince Mohube, Mlungisi Cwayi, Andile Mthombeni, and Phomello Masemola, were killed.
Frank Mlambo and Fumani Mushwana were seriously injured.
Maarohanye indicated that he would apply for bail but his legal representation ended on Tuesday, so he applied for a different lawyer to represent him.
Court was adjourned until 3pm to give time for Maarohanye’s legal representation to arrive.
Sentencing will take place on November 30.
