South African television presenter and rapper Molemo Maarohanye, popularly known as Jub Jub, has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a taxi driver and firing a gun in his direction during a confrontation in Edenvale.
Police said the incident occurred at approximately 07:30 local time on Sunday in Edenvale, a town located about 25 kilometres east of Johannesburg.
According to a police statement, Maarohanye allegedly confronted the taxi driver shortly after the man had dropped off a passenger. The entertainer reportedly accused the driver of having a romantic relationship with his girlfriend.
Driver allegedly forced into a vehicle
During the confrontation, Maarohanye is alleged to have forced the unnamed driver into his vehicle. Police further claim that he discharged a firearm in the man’s direction.
The driver was not injured and managed to escape from the scene. He immediately drove to a nearby police station, where he reported the incident.
Maarohanye has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Police said the television personality is expected to appear before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for an initial hearing. The charges he faces are linked to the alleged kidnapping and discharge of a firearm.
Previous encounters with the law
This is not the first time the former music star has faced serious legal proceedings.
In 2012, Maarohanye was convicted of murder and attempted murder following a drag-racing incident that resulted in the deaths of four schoolchildren and left two others injured.
However, South Africa’s High Court later overturned the murder and attempted murder convictions. In 2014, the court convicted him of culpable homicide, the South African legal equivalent of manslaughter, instead.
Maarohanye was also arrested in 2023 on charges including rape, attempted murder and assault following allegations made by a former girlfriend.
The National Prosecuting Authority withdrew those charges in 2024, explaining that there were no reasonable prospects of securing a successful prosecution.
Presenter of Uyajola 9/9
Once regarded as one of South Africa’s most popular musicians, Maarohanye later established himself as a television personality.
He currently presents Uyajola 9/9, a reality television programme that investigates suspected infidelity and confronts people accused of cheating on their partners.
The latest arrest has attracted widespread attention in South Africa because of Maarohanye’s public profile and the nature of the programme he presents.
The allegations against him have not yet been tested in court, and he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
