The family of nine-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela, killed in a 2024 crash involving Sekhukhune United footballer Shaune Mogaila, faces deep emotional and physical hardship with each court appearance, according to AfriForum spokesperson Barry Bateman.
Speaking outside the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court today, Monday, Bateman said the family is struggling to confront the man allegedly responsible for the collision. “Every time that they have to come to court here for another postponement, it’s another deep breath that they have to take,” he said.
Bateman emphasized that the harm extends beyond grief. Gomolemo’s mother, Keo Mavimbela, walks with a limp and will suffer lifelong physical injuries, he said. A boy named Thando, who was also in the vehicle, broke both his legs and continues to struggle with his recovery.
“It is so important that a just and appropriate sentence is imposed on the person who’s responsible for causing lifelong harm to these families,” Bateman said.
Mogaila faces charges of culpable homicide, reckless driving, and fleeing the scene of the October 2024 crash. His legal team is expected to finalize a plea and sentencing proposal in May.