The Protea magistrate's court was devoid of unruly pupils baying for the blood of hip-hop artist Molemo "Jub Jub" Maarohanye and his co-accused Themba Tshabalala. There were no placards bearing messages of support or contempt, either directed at the family or the accused.

Orderly conduct reigned supreme as family members of the four victims who lost their lives in the alleged drag racing incident on March 8 in Protea, Soweto, filled Court 6.

Maarohanye and Tshabalala face four counts of murder with alternate charges of culpable homicide, two counts of attempted murder with an alternate charge of reckless or negligent driving, use of drugs and the failure to ascertain the extent of injuries caused by the accident.

Maarohanye and Tshabalala are each on R10000 bail.

Pop singer Kelly Khumalo, with whom Maarohanye has a 6-month-old baby boy, showed up in court.

Decked out in a full-length brown leather jacket with fur on the collar and sleeve cuffs, sunglasses and heavy make-up, Khumalo sat next to Maarohanye's father and businessman Sydney Maarohanye in the front row of the public gallery. The two hardly shared a word, only reacting to proceedings in court.

Khumalo caused quite a stir when the court was adjourned for tea. Photographers and members of the public jostled for space to catch a glimpse of the starlet walking in and out of court.

Maarohanye's controversial mother, Mama Jackie, was not present yesterday.

In the dock, Maarohanye and Tshabalala looked tense, with the latter seated with his head bowed for most of the proceedings.

NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said he was happy the trial was under way. "We are relieved that the wheels of justice are finally in motion."