The murder trial of musician Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye and his co-accused Themba Tshabalala was postponed by the Protea Magistrate's Court on Friday.
“Due to the taxi strike... other courts closed at noon, but I've allowed us to continue,” Magistrate Brian Nemavhidi said.
“The matter is postponed until Friday (May 18) and then also 21, 22 and 23 May.”
On Monday, while giving evidence led by defence lawyer Mlungiseleli Soviti, Tshabalala said he would admit to hitting a group of schoolchildren.
“Would you admit to killing the kids if people said you did?” Soviti asked. “Yes,” an emotional Tshabalala replied.
Soviti then asked: “Did you intend to hit the children?”
Tshabalala said: “No.”
Maarohanye and Tshabalala face charges of murder, attempted murder and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The two were allegedly racing their Mini Coopers when they crashed into a group of school children along Mdlalose Street, in Protea North, on March 8, 2010.
Four children died and two others were seriously injured.
Tshabalala also described the events that led up to the accident, saying he met Maarohanye in Protea and they were driving to the same place in Protea north after lunch.
“After overtaking Molemo's car, we drove for a few seconds and that's when the accident happened,” Tshabalala said.
“I had a knock on the right back of the car, the driver's side at the back... My car lost control, started spinning and it capsized.”
Soviti asked if there were children walking on the side of the road or on the road when the accident happened and Tshabalala said yes.
“Did you see your car hit the kids?” Soviti asked. “No, I didn't,” Tshabalala replied.
“Do you deny that your car hit some of the kids?” Soviti asked.
“No, I can't deny it,” replied Tshabalala, who was close to tears.
He said he had no intention of hitting the children or of being negligent on the day.
Soviti asked him if evidence given by Maarohanye and previous witnesses, saying that he caused the accident, was true.
“It's not true... I am certain that it's not true (that my car hit Maarohanye's car),” Tshabalala told the court.
Soviti asked Tshabalala what speed he was driving and to describe his state of sobriety.
While Tshabalala was giving evidence, Maarohanye sat in the dock making notes and reading his Bible. - Sapa