Musician and TV presenter Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye breathed a sigh of relief after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew rape, attempted murder and assault charges against him.
The charges emanated from a complainant and Maarohanye’s ex-girlfriend, who laid a rape charge in February 2022 against him, alleging that the offences occurred between 2006 and 2009.
After the complainant spoke out on social media, three other women came forward with similar allegations.
Maarohanye handed himself to the authorities after a warrant of arrest was issued, and appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court, where he was released on a R10 000 bail.
“I feel relieved, the truth always prevails. I’m just happy that its finally over, it’s been a year of hell. I’ve lost a lot. I lost a lot of money, time and respect. I was called all sorts of names. But I’m happy that my family, legal team, everybody carried me throughout,” said Maarohanye when addressing the media outside court after the withdrawal of the charges.
According to the NPA, the decision to withdraw the charges follows careful consideration of the police case docket, the prosecutor’s report and recommendations, coupled with information that was made available to the NPA through representations submitted by the defence to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
“The office of the DPP concluded that there are no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.
“As a result, the sensible thing to do was to withdraw the charges of rape, attempted murder and assault against Maarohanye.
The NPA views all allegations of sexual violence in serious light and does not hesitate to adopt an aggressive stance towards them but only where there is relevant and admissible evidence that can sustain the charges.
Unfortunately, in this case, upon further assessment of available evidence, there were no prospects of a successful prosecution hence the withdrawal of charges,” said NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane.
Meanwhile, legal analyst Nthabiseng Dubazana, from Dubazana Attorneys, says the musician has legal recourse against the state and the complainant.
“You can sue the state for wrongful arrest and wrongful prosecution.
Because he would have obviously spent money on legal fees.
It affected his career in one form or another, and all those aspects he can sue the state for that.
He also has a recourse to sue the complainant who levelled these accusations against him for defamation of character and damages as well because he lost a lot of money to defend this matter,” said Dubazana who was speaking on YouFM News Hour.
The Ndikhokhele hitmaker and Uyajola 9/9 presenter said he’s grateful and vindicated.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to my legal team for their unwavering commitment to justice and truth.
This verdict brings a sense of relief and vindication not only to me but also to all those who supported me.
The outpouring of support has been truly touching, and I am grateful for it,” added Maarohanye on his Instagram account.
