The family of Gomolemo Mavimbela, a 9-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in a car accident on October 29, is expressing outrage after Sekhukhune United soccer player Shaune Mogaila was granted bail in connection with her death. Mogaila appeared in court on November 1, 2024, facing serious charges, including culpable homicide, reckless driving, and negligent driving. Despite the gravity of the situation, the court granted Mogaila R20,000 bail, which has angered the Mavimbela family and local community members.
**Family’s Pain and Anger Over Bail Decision**
Patrick Kekana, the uncle of the deceased, voiced his anger at the bail decision. He lamented that while his family mourns the loss of their loved one, the accused, who played a role in her death, was given the opportunity to walk free on bail. “It’s sad that he was merely given a R20,000 bail,” Kekana said. “I lost my niece, and two other people are in critical condition. I saw his teammates celebrating when the magistrate announced that. The law in South Africa isn’t fair; it favours those who have money. People like us, who are poor, don’t get that advantage.”
The situation was even more emotional for Gomolemo’s aunt, who broke down in tears upon seeing the man allegedly responsible for her niece’s death in the courtroom. The court appearance was a difficult moment for the family, who were hoping for a stricter outcome.https://twitter.com/Mzansi_Extreme/status/1852417311313145878?s=19
**No Conditions Imposed on Bail**
What added fuel to the fire for the Mavimbela family and local community members was the fact that Mogaila was granted bail without any specific conditions attached. Lele Lefakane, chairperson of the Thembisa Community Forum, expressed frustration with the decision, accusing the justice system of showing favoritism toward Mogaila due to his status as a well-known soccer player. “He’s free to do whatever he wants because his bail doesn’t have conditions,” Lefakane said. “As a community, we’re disappointed that the state did not oppose the bail amount granted. We’re saddened because this person ran away from the scene of the accident, and he was not ready to face the consequences of his actions.”
**The Accident and Its Aftermath**
The fatal crash occurred on October 29, 2024, when Mogaila was reportedly involved in an accident that resulted in the death of 9-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela. In addition to her death, the girl’s mother and a 13-year-old neighbor were critically injured in the crash. Both survivors are currently receiving treatment in Thembisa and Zamokuhle Private Hospitals. The 13-year-old boy, who suffered fractures to both legs, is awaiting surgery.
The community has rallied behind the victims, calling for justice and a stricter legal response to the incident. There are growing concerns that Mogaila’s celebrity status could influence the outcome of the case, with many wondering whether justice will truly be served.
**Looking Ahead**
Mogaila’s case has been adjourned until February 4, 2025. As the investigation continues, both the Mavimbela family and the local community remain determined to see justice for Gomolemo and the others affected by the crash. While the bail decision has left many disillusioned with the justice system, they are holding out hope that a fair trial will take place in the coming months.