South African rapper Jub Jub accused over deaths of four schoolboys is targeted by angry pupil army

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Police intervene as thousands of stick-wielding, stone-throwing children attempt to storm court hearing

The mob was baying for blood. When a South African rapper known as “Jub Jub” appeared in court last week on murder charges, thousands of schoolchildren wielded sticks, threw stones and tried to storm the building. “We will kill him today, but we are thinking of ways to kill him,” one pupil was reported to have said.

Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye, pictured right, and his friend, Themba Tshabalala, are accused of killing four schoolboys after racing two Mini Coopers in the streets of Soweto only to lose control and plough into a group of children.

A magistrates’ court has heard that Jub Jub tested negative for alcohol but positive for cocaine and morphine. He denies drag racing in the township or being under the influence of illegal substances.

But the court of public opinion has already found him guilty of callous disregard for the people who helped make him famous. Police warned against giving him bail last week because his life could be in danger. Yet on Friday Jub Jub and Tshabalala were granted bail of R10,000 (£900) each, prompting more fury from thousands of protesters who hurled rocks at the court compound.

Children growing up in the townships of South Africa, which competes with Brazil for the unwanted title of the most unequal society in the world, often set out at dawn, without breakfast, and return to a cramped home with scarce resources.

Jub Jub, not unlike rappers in America, is among a tiny minority of black celebrities who enjoy a lucrative career and lavish lifestyle. White businessmen still own a disproportionate share of the economy, but the conspicuous “bling” of some upwardly mobile black people can cause resentment among those left behind.

Julius Malema, the populist leader of the African National Congress’s youth wing was criticised recently for a birthday party costing a reported 400,000 rand (£36,000), where he sprayed journalists with champagne.

Some political pundits and religious leaders warn that if the gap between rich and poor continues to widen, South Africa will burn – and vigilante justice will have its day.