HIP-HOP star Jub Jub and his friend Themba Tshabalala could spend a very long time in jail if convicted.

HIP-HOP star Jub Jub and his friend Themba Tshabalala could spend a very long time in jail if convicted.

This after their charge was changed from culpable homicide to murder when they appeared in court yesterday.

Jub Jub, real name Molemo Maarohanye, and Tshabalala were initially to face four counts of culpable homicide but the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) changed it to four counts of murder when they appeared in court yesterday.

The two were also charged with two counts of attempted murder, one count of reckless and negligent driving and one count of driving under the influence.

NPA spokesperson Mthu-nzi Mhaga confirmed the change of charges.

"On assessment of the evidence we opted to change the charges and charge them with murder," he said.

Mhaga said he could not go into detail about the evidence since it was still to be discussed at the bail hearing.

Webber Wentzel attorney Keneilwe Matidze said yesterday that murder was a more serious charge than culpable homicide.

She said that if Jub Jub and Tshabalala were found guilty and sentenced for murder they might receive a longer sentence than they would if they were convicted of culpable homicide.