Uyajola 9/9 presenter and musician, Molemo Katleho "Jub Jub" Maarohanye, seldom discusses the fateful night of March 8, 2010. On that night, he and his friend Themba Tshabalala were involved in a serious accident while drag racing under the influence, resulting in the death of four children and leaving two others with brain damage. Jub Jub served several years in prison for his actions and currently faces an ongoing rape trial.
In the season finale of Unfollowed, episode 8, host Thembekile Mrototo delves into Jub Jub's ability to make a comeback despite the tragic incident and subsequent incarceration. However, Jub Jub remains tight-lipped about the specifics of the accident, citing respect for the families affected. He acknowledges that everything changed in an instant due to the accident, but distances himself from his actions when pressed by Thembekile.
What happens with myself and the families is not for anybody," he says. "Everything was taken away in the blink of an eye after that accident," he adds.
Reflecting on the incident as his "darkest day," Jub Jub reveals that a part of him died as well. He describes the lingering impact of the accident, recounting how visions haunt him when he tries to sleep and the ongoing struggle to move forward in his life.
He explains, "A good part of me died as well … When you find yourself alone, you just remember … you try to sleep, you see visions. You try to move on with your life…"
Jub Jub claimed that his time in prison transformed him into a better person. He emphasized how incarceration forced him to be alone and reconnect with his faith in God and his ancestors, aspects he had neglected in his previous life.
"Prison is the only place that actually forced me to be alone, to reconnect with God, amadlozi (ancestors), no matter what. Because of the life that I was living, man, I had no time for what my ancestors wanted me to do," he says. "I had no time with God … I regret all my actions. I don't regret going to prison … because there's a life lesson that I learned."
Currently out on bail, Jub Jub faces serious charges, including three counts of rap3, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of assault from four different accusers. He acknowledged the prevalent issue of rap3 in society and the fear of being falsely accused, noting the impact it has on interpersonal relationships.
The interview provided a glimpse into Jub Jub's thoughts and reflections on his past tragedy, his time in prison, and the ongoing controversies surrounding him. As he continues to navigate his personal and professional life, the public can catch Jub Jub on "Uyajola 9/9" airing on Moja LOVE (DStv 157) at 21:00 PM.
