Johannesburg - The family of Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye have denied claims that the disgraced hip-hop artist tried to commit suicide behind bars.
Rumours abounded this week that Maarohanye, who is serving an effective 25-year imprisonment, had tried to kill himself. He was sentenced earlier this month after he was convicted along with Themba Tshabalala for murder, attempted murder, drag racing, and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Four schoolchildren were killed when the two crashed their Mini Coopers while drag racing in a Soweto street in March 2010.
As Maarohanye prepares to spend his first Christmas behind bars, rumours started doing the rounds that he had tried to commit suicide. His family rubbished these claims on Thursday.
“Anyone, if convicted and serving time (in jail), has the right to appeal.
“It gives him hope. I don’t even want to entertain that (suicide rumour) because the boy knows there is a lot to be done and that there is still hope,” said Mogosi Moleko, Maarohanye’s uncle.
Maarohanye is due to appeal against his sentence in the new year.
Moleko, who was among the few of Maarohanye’s relatives who regularly attended his marathon trial, said Maarohanye was finding solace in divine providence.
Towards the conclusion of his trial, Maarohanye came to court clutching a Bible, which he read in the dock.
Maarohanye is serving his sentence in Johannesburg Prison, popularly known as “Sun City”.
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The Star