Malema's Jub Jub visit legal

2010-03-17 16:03

Johannesburg - The correctional services department confirmed on Wednesday that ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema visited hip hop artist Jub Jub in a private room in jail, but said he did not break any rules.

"It was permissible," spokesperson Sonwabo Mbananga told Sapa.

"The law says awaiting trial detainees... are allowed visits between 08:00 in the morning and 15:00 in the afternoon by family members, their church people, and community organisations can also undertake to visit someone."

Mbananga said politicians who were members of Parliament or members of government were also allowed to make visits, according to the department's policy.

Commissioner gave permission

"We know he (Malema) is neither, but there is also specific reference to politicians who want to visit awaiting trial prisoners, who can do that with permission."

Mbananga said the office of the provincial commissioner gave Malema permission on Monday morning to visit Jub Jub, whose real name is Molemo Maarohanye.

"Permission was granted," said Mbananga, adding that the visit took place on Monday afternoon.

The Star newspaper reported on Wednesday that Malema used a private consultation room for the visit while normally prisoners would receive visitors in a public area.

Mbananga said there was a reason for that.

Topic of discussion unknown

"You can imagine the attention that the visit would have solicited if it had happened in a general visitation room given the high profile that is enjoyed by the ANCYL president.

"The request (for a private room) was normal... he (Malema) did not want to disrupt the visits of others who were visiting their loved ones.

"Permission was granted for it to take place in an office, but it was overseen by an official throughout."

Asked what the reason for Malema's visit was, Mbananga replied: "Basically, to speak to someone he considered to be youth. We did not ask the reason.

"We are not really concerned about what they discussed. There is nothing illegal about that."

Jub Jub and his friend, Themba Tshabalala face murder charges after four school pupils were killed and two critically injured when the two crashed the Mini Coopers they were allegedly racing in Soweto earlier this month.
 

- SAPA