Riots erupt after South African hip-hop star granted bail in hearing on child drag-race deaths

Rioters protest bail for SAfrican hip-hop artist

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — South African police have fired water cannons at angry youths and children protesting a court decision to grant bail to a hip-hop artist accused of killing four children in a drag race.

After a tense three-day hearing in Johannesburg’s Soweto township, a judge freed Molemo Maarohanye — known as “Jub Jub,” which means Marshmallow — on $ 1,300 bail.

Children, some in school uniforms, hurled bricks and stones at police Friday. Protesters chanted for the execution of Maarohanye and a second man, Themba Tshabalala. Some swore to kill the two men.

Authorities say both defendants tested positive for cocaine and morphine after the March 8 race, which put two other children in critical condition. A judge set their trial for April 7.