One of South Africa’s most recognizable entertainment figures, rapper and television host Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye, is once again facing criminal allegations after police took him into custody this week, accusing the star of kidnapping a taxi driver and firing a weapon in his direction. According to official police statements, the alleged incident unfolded early on Sunday morning in Edenvale, a suburban town located approximately 16 miles northeast of Johannesburg.
Authorities say Maarohanye confronted the taxi driver immediately after the driver had dropped off a passenger, at roughly 05:30 GMT. The confrontation stemmed from a personal dispute: Maarohanye reportedly accused the driver of entering a romantic relationship with his current girlfriend. Following the confrontation, the star allegedly forced the unnamed driver into his own vehicle before discharging a firearm toward the man. In a fortunate turn of events, the driver managed to escape the encounter without physical injury, and fled directly to a nearby local police station to file an official report.
As of the latest updates, Maarohanye has not issued any public statement responding to the allegations brought against him. Police confirmed that the media personality is scheduled to make his first court appearance at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where the initial hearing for the case will be held.
This arrest marks the latest in a long string of high-profile legal encounters for the once-leading South African musician, who rose to mainstream fame in the 2000s and early 2010s before his first major criminal conviction. In 2012, Maarohanye was found guilty of murder and attempted murder in connection with a high-profile drag racing incident that left four schoolchildren dead and two additional people injured. The conviction was overturned by South Africa’s High Court just two years later, and courts instead convicted him of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Most recently, in 2023, Maarohanye was arrested on a separate set of charges including rape, attempted murder, and assault, following accusations from a former romantic partner. Those charges were ultimately dropped by South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority in 2024, after the agency concluded there were no reasonable prospects for a successful conviction in the case.
Despite his lengthy legal history, Maarohanye has maintained a prominent public profile in South Africa in recent years. He currently serves as the host of *Uyajola 9/9*, a popular reality television series focused on exposing infidelity in romantic relationships that draws millions of viewers across the country.