Former Sekhukhune player Mogaila admits guilt in death of Thembisa girl

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Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandFootballer Shaune Mogaila has pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and failing to remain at the scene of the accident that took the life of a nine-year-old girl in October 2024. File picture: Antonio Muchave Story audio is generated using AI

Former Sekhukhune FC player Shaune Mogaila has pleaded guilty to causing the fatal crash that claimed the life of nine-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela in October 2024 in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni.

After two years of court proceedings and multiple postponements, Mogaila pleaded guilty to two of the three charges he faces: culpable homicide and failing to remain at the scene of the accident.

He appeared in the Thembisa magistrate’s court on Monday.

“I admit that upon or about October 30 2024 and at Andrew Mapheto Drive, I negligently caused or contributed to a collision in which Gomolemo Mavimbela, in her lifetime a 10-year-old girl, received certain injuries as a result of which she died on the scene or died on October 30 2024 and thus I did wrongfully and negligently cause the death of the said Gomolemo Mavimbela,” said Mogaila in his plea statement.

On the day of the fatal accident, Gomolemo’s mother, Keo Mavimbela, was driving her daughter and a neighbour to school when Mogaila crashed into her vehicle, killing Gomolemo and leaving Keo and the 13-year-old neighbour hospitalised for two months.

“I, being the driver, wrongfully and unlawfully failed to render assistance to the injured person, to wit, Gomolemo Mavimbela, as I might have been capable of rendering,” he said.

Commenting on Mogaila’s plea, Gomolemo’s father, Tshepo Kekana, said he felt relieved that Mogaila had pleaded guilty and that the matter was finally moving forward.

“At least we can see some light now, and we are moving forward. I feel some relief that he has pleaded guilty, though it is not completely satisfying because there is still more to what happened. But we are getting somewhere. I’m happy that we are finally reaching the end of the tunnel and there is some light,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation for the support he has received from AfriForum.

“The support I’m receiving from AfriForum means a lot to me. I try to be here at court every day, and each time I leave, I feel that we are making progress. I really appreciate that. Thank you very much.”

AfriForum private prosecution unit spokesperson Barry Bateman said they were satisfied that Mogaila had pleaded guilty and spared the family the ordeal of enduring a lengthy trial.

“It is, however, unfortunate that he did not take the court fully into his confidence and provide a complete account of what he did that led to this deadly crash.

“Our focus now shifts to preparing victim impact statements to assist the court in imposing a just and appropriate sentence. We hope the sentence ultimately sends a strong message to drivers whose conduct takes lives on our roads,” said Bateman.

The matter was postponed to November 17 for sentencing proceedings. Mogaila’s bail was extended.

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