Molemo Katlego Maarohanye, popularly known as Jub Jub, during a previous court appearance. (Phuti Mathobela/City Press)
- Serious criminal charges against controversial television presenter Molemo Maarohanye, known as Jub Jub, have been withdrawn.
- He faces rape, assault and attempted murder charges.
- The National Prosecuting Authority said the matter had no prospects of success.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn rape, assault and attempted murder charges against well-known television presenter and rapper Molemo Katlego Maarohanye, popularly known as Jub Jub.
Maarohanye, the presenter of reality show Uyajola 99, faced three counts of rape, two counts of attempted murder and one count of assault.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the decision was made after a “careful” review of the police case docket and the prosecutor’s report, along with additional information provided by the defence to 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,” Mjonondwane said.
The allegations against Maarohanye surfaced when his ex-girlfriend, Amanda du Pont, opened a rape case against him in February 2022, claiming the incidents occurred between 2006 and 2009.
In a video on social media in December 2021, Du Pont alleged the Ndikhokhele hitmaker repeatedly raped and attempted to murder her.
READ | Jub Jub says he didn’t rape Du-Pont, she’s just mad that he exposed her
She made the video in response to Jub Jub’s remarks about having “smashed” her – and their three-year relationship ending after he reportedly cheated on her with singer and mother of his son Kelly Khumalo.
He spoke about this on podcaster MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho’s Podcast and Chill.
Du Pont’s accusations prompted three other women to come forward with similar claims against the rapper.
This led to Maarohanye’s arrest and subsequent court appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted bail for R10 000.
The NPA has withdrawn all charges against television presenter and rapper Molemo Katlego Maarohanye, also known as Jub Jub pic.twitter.com/qbbfQwQBMU
— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) July 4, 2024
Mjonondwane emphasised the NPA’s commitment to addressing all allegations of sexual violence with the utmost seriousness.
She also stressed the importance of having sufficient admissible evidence to support a prosecution.
“Unfortunately, in this case, upon further assessment of available evidence, there were no prospects of a successful prosecution, hence the withdrawal of charges,” she said.
