South African footballer Shaun Mogaila, a 29-year-old player for Sekhukhune United, is set to face charges of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving after allegedly fleeing the scene of a fatal car accident that claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl. Gauteng police confirmed that Mogaila later turned himself in at the Rabie Ridge Police Station, hours after the incident occurred.
The crash took place on Wednesday morning when Mogaila’s BMW reportedly collided with another vehicle carrying an adult woman and two children. Tragically, the nine-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene, while the woman and a 13-year-old child were hospitalized with injuries.
A spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) told SowetanLive that Mogaila’s court appearance has been delayed, though the exact reason for the postponement remains undisclosed.
Sekhukhune United has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident, which has sparked public outcry on social media, especially after dashcam footage of the crash went viral. Many users expressed their shock and anger, citing concerns about road safety and the heartbreaking loss of life.
“This is what scares me to drive nowadays,” wrote one social media user on X. “I can drive safely with my family and still pass away due to someone else’s actions.”
Meanwhile, some have defended Mogaila for taking responsibility by eventually surrendering to the authorities. “The poor guy handed himself in after he came back to his senses,” commented another X user.
Just hours before the crash, Mogaila had been on the field, playing a match against Richards Bay at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo.
