Magistrate Brian Nemavhidi said in order to be granted bail, the accused needed to prove exceptional circumstances.

“Both the accused had ample time, two months, to get their houses in order,” he said today.

The application for the extension of bail was denied and the matter was postponed to November 30 for sentencing.

Family members of Maarohanye burst into tears when bail was denied while family members of the victims cheered and clapped.

Earlier today, Maarohanye and Themba Tshabalala were found guilty on four counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, driving under the influence of drugs and racing on a public road.

Maarohanye and Tshabalala were drag-racing in Protea North on March 8 2010 when they crashed into a group of schoolchildren.

Prince Mohube, Mlungisi Cwayi, Andile Mthombeni, and Phomello Masemola, were killed.

Frank Mlambo and Fumani Mushwana were seriously injured.

Maarohanye asked for his bail to be extended because he needed to appoint someone to look after his company.

“I want to make sure that my son is sorted and my employees and also my son’s policies as well,” he said, adding that he would be disappointing himself if he failed to turn up for the sentencing proceedings.

Tshabalala said he was the sole breadwinner and that he felt remorse. “I do feel remorse because none of those kids deserve what happened to them,” he said.