Family of crash victim removed from court during soccer star's appearance

SAPS COME UNDER FIRE

- MASABATA MKWANANZI [e-mail]

MEMBERS of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have come under fire after allegedly kicking out the grieving family of a nine-year-old girl who died in a crash involving soccer star Shaune Mogaila during his court appearance last week.

The shocking incident unfolded at the Tembisa Magistrate's Court on November 6, leaving the grieving family humiliated and questioning whether the justice system truly serves victims or protects the powerful.

Mogaila, a winger for Sekhukhune United, is accused of killing nine-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela on October 30, 2024, when his car allegedly collided with her mother Keo Mavimbela's vehicle on Andrew Mapheto Road in Tembisa. The crash also left Thando Khethiwa, the son of Keo's friend, critically injured. Mogaila allegedly fled the scene but later handed himself over to police, and was subsequently granted R20 000 bail.

Officers told the victim's father, Tshepo Kekana, and aunt, Florah Mathipa, to leave the courtroom while Mogaila's supporters were permitted to stay, according to Barry Bateman of AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit, which represents the Mavimbela and Khethiwa family. Bateman said the case exposes the deep flaws within South Africa's justice system and the blatant bias shown towards the accused over victims.