Sekhukhune FC player Shaun Mogaila has pleaded guilty to causing a fatal crash in Tembisa, South Africa, in October 2024. The crash claimed the life of nine-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela. Mogaila appeared in the Tembisa Magistrate's Court, facing charges of reckless and negligent driving, fleeing the scene of an accident, and culpable homicide. At the time of the crash, Mogaila's vehicle veered into oncoming traffic and collided with Gomolemo's car.
Gomolemo's mother, Keo Mavimbela, has rejected Mogaila's plea, describing the proposed fine of R20,000 as an insult to her daughter's life. In an interview with The Sowetan, Mavimbela expressed her disappointment and heartbreak over Mogaila's plea. She stated that reading the plea felt like a big insult and broke her heart because it is not the justice her daughter deserves. Mavimbela and a 13-year-old boy were badly injured in the crash and spent a long time in hospital.
According to police, dagga and alcohol were allegedly found in Mogaila's car at the time of the crash. Following the crash, Mogaila fled from the scene and handed himself to the police later. In a letter responding to Mogaila's plea, Mavimbela questioned his statement that he was responsible for supporting his siblings and child. She asked if he had ever thought about how she was supposed to maintain her daughter and younger brother after the accident.
Mavimbela expressed her frustration, stating that Mogaila had never even gone to her house to apologize or assist her or the 13-year-old boy who was seriously injured in the crash. The boy is now being teased at school about the scars on his head and the way he walks following the damage caused to his body. Mavimbela's life has been ruined by the accident, and she can no longer secure permanent employment due to her sickness and injuries.
The 13-year-old boy's mother, who is unemployed, now has to pay for his medication and other living expenses that were not there before the accident. Mavimbela asked if Mogaila had ever thought about the extra financial burdens and frustration placed on the boy's mother. She requested that the law take its course and that Mogaila go to prison and serve a sentence for his sins.
Mogaila's proposed fine of R20,000 has been met with disappointment from Gomolemo's family. The family's spokesperson, Barry Bateman of AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit, expressed disappointment over the repeated postponements in the matter. However, he was relieved that the postponement was for just one week. The case has been postponed for plea and trial.
Keo Mavimbela's life has been severely impacted by the accident, with her name now on a bad credit record due to the damage caused to her car. The insurance payout left a shortfall that she is unable to pay. Mavimbela stated that she was working and trying to fulfill her dreams, but Mogaila's actions ruined all of her plans. The case will continue in court.
Key points
- Shaun Mogaila has pleaded guilty to causing a fatal crash in Tembisa, South Africa.
- The victim's mother, Keo Mavimbela, has rejected Mogaila's plea and proposed fine of R20,000.
- The case has been postponed for plea and trial, with the family's spokesperson expressing disappointment over the repeated postponements.
