MEDIA STATEMENT: Mavimbela family, AfriForum welcomes conviction of disgraced former soccer star Mogaila AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit and the family of nine-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela, who was killed in a crash caused by former soccer star Shaune Mogaila, has welcomed his conviction on a charge of culpable homicide and failing to render assistance following a collision. He pleaded guilty to the charges in the Tembisa Magistrates Court yesterday, meaning his fate now lies in the hands of the Court after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) rejected his previous plea proposal in July. The plea was rejected after AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit made representations to the state on behalf of Gomolemo’s mother, Keo, and Carol Khethiwa, the mother of Thando, who was severely injured in the same collision. The Unit will now assist the families in preparing victim impact statements to assist the Court in imposing a just sentence. Upon hearing the news, Keo Mavimbela said: “God is great, I’m hoping that the Magistrate imposes a proper sentence”. Gomolemo was killed on Andrew Mapheto Road in Tembisa on 30 October 2024, when Mogaila’s car collided with Keo’s. Thando, the son of Keo’s friend, was critically injured. The former Sekhukhune United winger left the scene of the accident and handed himself over to the police later that day. Tshepo Kekana, Keo Mavimbela’s husband, who attended proceedings with the support of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, was relieved by the development. “At least we are moving forward. I feel some relief that he has pleaded guilty, although it is not completely satisfying because there is still more to what happened. But we are getting somewhere. I’m happy that we are finally reaching the end of the tunnel and there is some light. The support I’m receiving from AfriForum means a lot to me. I try to be here at Court every day, and each time I leave, I feel that we are making progress. With AfriForum’s help, we are getting somewhere, and I really appreciate that. Thank you very much,” says Kekana. Barry Bateman, Spokesperson for AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, says the conviction is a huge step towards closure for the Mavimbela family. “We are satisfied that Mogaila pleaded guilty and spared the family the ordeal of having to endure a trial. He has not yet led evidence in mitigation of sentence, so he might still provide a complete account of what he did that led to this deadly crash. Our focus now shifts to preparing victim impact statements to assist the Court in imposing a just and appropriate sentence. We hope the sentence ultimately sends a strong message to drivers whose conduct takes lives on our roads. AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit will continue to support the family through this process,” says Bateman. While the disgraced former footballer, whose contract at Sekhukhune United expired in July, submitted a plea statement, he did not provide details of what led to the deadly crash. “At or near Phomolong, I lost control of the motor vehicle I was driving and it left its path of travel and veered into the oncoming traffic. It collided with another motor vehicle travelling in an opposite direction, and as a result of which the above-mentioned young girl, who was a passenger in said motor vehicle, lost her life,” he said in his statement. The case was postponed to 17 November for the state and defence to prepare the necessary reports for sentencing proceedings.