South African Police Services allegedly evicts victim’s family from court during soccer star’s appearance
The father and aunt of crash victim Gomolemo Mavimbela were evicted from the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court, when Sekhukhune United winger Shaune Mogaile appeared on culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving charges.
Father and aunt of 9-year-old crash victim, Gomolemo Mavinbela, have been ejected from Tembisa Magistrate’s Court by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This happened when football star, Shaune Mogaile, who is accused of driving the car that crashed, resulting in the death of Gomolemo, appeared in court on November 6.
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AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, which represents the family, were accompanying Tshepo Kekana, the boy’s father, and Florah Mathipa, the boy’s aunt, and witnessed how the police instructed the pair to leave, while allowing the accused’s supporters to attend the proceedings.
The forum’s private prosecution unit spokesperson Barry Bateman said members of the unit rejected the instruction, remaining in court to witness proceedings and provide feedback to the family.
He continued to say that the ejection by SAPS demonstrates callous disrespect for crime victims. “It is unconscionable that a person accused of killing a child is allowed to have supporters in court, while the parents and relatives of the child are denied the ability to witness the administration of justice.
“This is one of the cruellest examples of the state failing victims of crime, and it highlights the collapse of the criminal justice system, which seemingly bends over backwards to accommodate the needs of an accused at the expense of victims of crime. AfriForum’s private prosecution unit stands firm against this kind of injustice, and will approach the authorities to address the issue.”
Gomolemo was killed on Andrew Mapheto Road in Tembisa on October 30, 2024, when Mogaila’s car veered off the road and collided with his mother, Keo Mavimbela’s, car. Thando Khethiwa, the son of Mavimbela’s friend, was critically injured as well. Bateman said the unit also represents Thando’s mother, Carol Khethiwa.
Also read: Security personnel takes his life after car crash
@caxtonjoburgnorth Not for sensitive viewers: Shaune Mogaile’s black BMW veered off the road and ploughed head-on with Keo Mavimbela’s red Hyundai, killing 9-year-old Gomolemo. Video: supplied
♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North
The Sekhukhune United winger allegedly fled the scene, only handing himself over to the Rabie Ridge Police later that day. Mogaila faces charges of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving and was released on bail of R20 000.
Bateman said Gomolemo’s mother approached the unit in July 2025, precisely because she feared that the accused was receiving preferential treatment.
Ekurhuleni police spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela was contacted regarding these allegations. “Since it happened in court, that will be for the National Prosecuting Authority [NPA] spokesperson to comment.”
NPA’s spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana was contacted and her response will be updated as soon as it becomes available.
The case has been transferred to the regional court, and Mogaila will appear again on November 17.
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