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On Monday, 8 March 2010 an extremely horrific accident was caused where Molemo ‘Jub Jub' Maarohanye and his friend, Themba Tshabalala, were allegedly racing on Protea Boulevard in Soweto when their vehicles ploughed into school children on their way home from school. In this, Andile Mthombeni (Grade 11), Prince Mohube (Grade 10), Mlungisi Cwayi (Grade 12), and Phomello Masemola (Grade 10) were instantly killed instantly; and other learners were hurried to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

Maarohanye and Tshabalala have since officially been charged with four counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of reckless and negligent driving, as well as one count of driving under the influence. As the YCL we have noted that the court process for this case have a potential to disrupt learning and teaching, particularly if continued to be held during the week. As would be expected from any caring community in society, learners in Soweto and from elsewhere have every reason to attend the court processes and implement acts of solidarity, outside the court, for the victims and their families. It is important that an enabling environment is created for learners to exercise this solidarity without disruption to learning and teaching.

As the YCL we will therefore be asking relevant authorities to consider holding court processes for the case, on Saturdays. We once more send our condolences to the families of the victims, students, friends and the broader community.