Khumalo ‘Weaponised the Law’ to Seek Vengeance Against Jub Jub

Kelly Khumalo’s alleged “vengeance” and “vindictive ploy,” along with her inability to provide crucial medical records and a police J88 form, were cited by rapper Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye’s legal team as reasons for the state to drop the charges against him.

Last week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dismissed the charges against Maarohanye, stating insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.

The NPA had charged Maarohanye following accusations from Khumalo, television presenter Amanda du-Pont, and former radio presenter Masechaba Khumalo, all alleging sexual violations by Maarohanye.

In a police statement reviewed by reporters, Khumalo recounted several instances of alleged abuse. She claimed that Maarohanye pushed her against a wall and choked her when she was eight months pregnant with their son. Another incident occurred after filming for “Rhythm City” in June 2010, where Maarohanye allegedly slapped her following an accusation of infidelity. In 2010, Khumalo reported that Maarohanye punched her, causing her to hit a door frame and injure her nose. She also alleged that he struck her lip, leaving a permanent scar, and assaulted her again after she attended to their crying child, complaining she gave the baby more attention than him.

Khumalo further alleged that Maarohanye assaulted her mother and sister at their family home in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg. In 2012, she claimed he raped her after she refused to have sex, suffocating her with a pillow. Additionally, she said he beat her up during a visit to his residence, accusing her of cheating.

Legal Defense and Dropped Charges

Maarohanye’s lawyer, Ntsako Baloyi, submitted a plea to the NPA to drop the charges, arguing that the allegations were an afterthought motivated by a podcast episode featuring Maarohanye and Mac G. In the podcast, Maarohanye accused Khumalo of using muthi, which Baloyi suggested triggered Khumalo to report the alleged abuses.

Baloyi argued that Khumalo had not intended to report the incidents to the police prior to the podcast in December 2021. He contended that using the law as a means of vengeance undermines its role in providing justice for vulnerable individuals. Baloyi’s representation stated, “In light of the afore, the applicant pleads with the state not to proceed to waste state resources over charges that, from the face of it, are an afterthought, smear campaign, and vindictive ploy.”

The defense highlighted the lack of corroborating medical evidence, such as the J88 form, doctors’ notes, or clinical records. Attempts to obtain further particulars or medical documentation from the state were unsuccessful, leading Baloyi to assert that the charges were baseless.

Conclusion

The public feud between Kelly Khumalo and Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye has underscored the complexities of using the legal system to address personal grievances. The NPA’s decision to drop the charges due to insufficient evidence has sparked a debate about the motivations behind such accusations and the need for substantial proof in legal proceedings. As the situation continues to evolve, the public and legal community will be closely watching how these dynamics unfold.