Former Sekhukhune United footballer Mokete “Shaune” Mogaila has been convicted in connection with a fatal road crash in Tembisa that claimed the life of nine-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela.
Mogaila appeared before the Tembisa Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
The crash occurred on 30 October 2024 along Andrew Mapheto Drive in Tembisa. Mogaila’s vehicle allegedly veered into oncoming traffic before colliding with another vehicle carrying Gomolemo, her mother and a 13-year-old boy.
Gomolemo died as a result of the collision. Her mother and the teenage passenger were seriously injured and required hospital treatment for an extended period following the crash.
In his plea statement before the court, Mogaila admitted that he had acted negligently and that his conduct caused or contributed to the collision. He also acknowledged that he failed to remain at the scene and did not provide assistance to those who had been injured.
Mogaila later handed himself over to police on the day of the crash.
Following the accident, authorities reported that alcohol and suspected drugs had been found in his vehicle. Those allegations, however, are separate from the guilty plea that was formally recorded in court in relation to the culpable homicide and failure-to-remain charges.
The matter has been before the courts for almost two years and has faced several postponements while investigations and other legal processes continued.
With the conviction now secured, the case has moved to the sentencing stage. Mogaila has not yet been sentenced.
The court postponed the matter to 17 November 2026 for sentencing proceedings. His bail was also extended until the next court appearance.
For Gomolemo’s family, the guilty plea marked an important development after a lengthy legal process.
Gomolemo’s father, Tshepo Kekana, said the plea brought some relief because it meant the matter was finally progressing. However, he indicated that the development did not completely satisfy the family, who have had to deal with the loss of their young daughter and the consequences of the devastating crash.
The sentencing proceedings in November will determine the next stage of the case and the punishment Mogaila will receive for the offences to which he has pleaded guilty.
Until then, the former professional footballer remains on bail as the court process continues.
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