Former Sekhukhune FC footballer Shaune Mogaila has accepted responsibility for the October 2024 road crash in Thembisa that resulted in the death of nine-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela.
Mogaila entered guilty pleas to two charges when he appeared before the Thembisa Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
He admitted culpability for causing Gomolemo’s death and for leaving the scene without remaining behind after the collision.
The former footballer is facing three charges, with the matter having been repeatedly postponed since the fatal incident nearly two years ago.
Mogaila told the court in his plea explanation that his negligent driving contributed to the collision on Andrew Mapheto Drive.
“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-Y ld 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,” he said.
Gomolemo had been travelling to school with her mother, Keo Mavimbela, and a 13-year-old neighbour when the vehicle driven by Mogaila crashed into theirs.
The collision killed Gomolemo and resulted in Keo and the teenager spending two months in hospital.
Mogaila acknowledged that he drove away from the crash site instead of remaining at the scene.
He further admitted that he failed to provide assistance to Gomolemo despite being in a position to do so.
“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 told the court.
Gomolemo’s father, Tshepo Kekana, said the guilty plea had brought a measure of relief to the family after the prolonged legal battle.
“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,” Kekana said.
Kekana also acknowledged the assistance provided to the family by AfriForum during the proceedings.
“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,” he said.
AfriForum private prosecution unit spokesperson Barry Bateman welcomed Mogaila’s plea, saying it meant the family would not have to endure a lengthy trial.
Bateman said, however, that Mogaila had not given the court a complete explanation of the events that culminated in the fatal collision.
“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,” Bateman said.
He said the organisation’s attention would now turn to the preparation of victim impact statements ahead of sentencing.
“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,” Bateman said.
The court postponed the case until November 17, when sentencing proceedings are expected to begin.
Mogaila’s bail was extended.
