Ex-Sekhukhune FC player Shaun Mogaila pleads guilty over crash that killed 9-year-old girl

Former Sekhukhune FC player Shaun Mogaila has pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and failure to render assistance in connection with a crash that killed nine-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela in Tembisa in October 2024.

Who, what and where

Mogaila, 29, appeared in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and admitted to charges arising from a collision on Andrew Mapheto Road in Tembisa that occurred in the early hours of 30 October 2024. The crash involved the vehicle Mogaila was driving and a car occupied by Keo Mavimbela, her daughter Gomolemo and a 13-year-old neighbour. Gomolemo died in the crash; her mother and the teenager were hospitalised for two months.

Driver’s admission and items found

In his plea, Mogaila admitted that the vehicle he was driving veered into oncoming traffic and collided with the other car. After the crash, suspected cocaine, edibles and bottles of Don Julio tequila were found in Mogaila’s vehicle. He fled the scene and later handed himself over to police the same day.

Legal process and NPA response

The National Prosecuting Authority said Mogaila entered his plea under Section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act. In a statement, NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said Mogaila “admitted to all the elements of the offences and accepted the facts and allegations presented by the State.”

“The NPA welcomes the guilty plea and conviction, which not only hold the accused accountable for his unlawful conduct but also spare the victims and their family the emotional burden of a lengthy trial,” Mohlatlole said. “The conviction represents an important step towards justice for the deceased child and her family. The NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability for individuals whose unlawful and reckless actions result in death or serious injury. Prosecutors will continue to pursue justice on behalf of victims while safeguarding the constitutional rights of accused persons and upholding the principles of due process.”

Next steps

The court convicted Mogaila on all charges following his guilty plea. The matter has been postponed to 17 November for sentencing proceedings.