Jub Jub’s crash: Families still heartbroken, 15 years on

FIFTEEN years have passed, but the pain, heartbreak, and anger still grip the families of four young pupils who lost their lives in a tragedy that shook the nation.

On 8 March 2010, the streets of Protea Glen in Soweto became the site of a devastating crash that would forever be remembered by many people.

That fateful day, former hip-hop star and controversial TV personality Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye, alongside his friend Themba Tshabalala, were racing through the streets, their vehicles speeding recklessly.

The crash that followed struck a group of schoolkids on their way home, killing Andile Mthombeni, Prince Mohube, Mlungisi Cwayi, and Phomello Masemola, instantly.

Two other pupils Fumani Mushwana and Frank Mlambo were left fighting for their lives.

The community was left reeling from the loss of young lives, full of potential and promise, taken too soon.

Jub Jub and Themba faced justice for their actions. They were convicted of culpable homicide in 2012 and were slapped with a four-year jail sentence each.

Jub Jub was released on parole in 2017, but for the families, the pain lingers.

Daily Sun visited the victims’ families, neighbours and friends. However, they weren’t keen to talk.

One family member said journalists visiting them doesn’t help, at all.

“What do you want from us? Fifteen years later, and you still come back to ask the same thing. What are you going to do for us? You’re just selling your newspapers through our story,” he said.

Another family member, who was also dismissive of Daily Sun, said they don’t want to talk.

“You’re taking us back,” she said.

Daily Sun spoke to neighbours who had mixed emotions about the matter.

A man said thinking about the incident triggered sad memories.

“It doesn’t matter how many have years pass. The pain for these families remains new. Losing a loved one is not easy. I feel for them,” he said.

Another man said Jub Jub served his sentence, and people shouldn’t be hard on him.

“It’s heartbreaking even now, but the man paid for the thing he did. We need to bury it and move on,” he said.