Tembisa – A dark cloud hangs over South African football following a tragic accident involving Shaune Mogaila a winger at the Premier Soccer League club Sekhukhune United.
The 29-year-old player is facing charges of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, and fleeing the scene of an accident after a head-on collision on Wednesday morning, 30 October, claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl.
The accident occurred at approximately 7:30 am on Andrew Mapheto Road in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni. Mogaila’s BMW M2 collided with a Hyundai Grand i10, driven by a woman transporting her two daughters to school. Tragically, the nine-year-old passenger died at the scene, while her 13-year-old sister sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Thembisa Tertiary Hospital. A neighbour who was also in the car was also seriously injured.
According to Ekurhuleni Metro Police spokesperson, Thabiso Makgato, Mogaila fled the scene immediately following the collision.
“The female driver was traumatised and inconsolable. She cried about her daughter who died on the scene. By the time we as community members arrived on the scene, we had learnt that the soccer player had fled the scene,” an eyewitness told The Star.
Upon arriving at the scene, EMPD officers made a grim discovery within Mogaila’s vehicle. “When Ekurhuleni Metro Police arrived at the scene, we found four bottles of potent alcohol named Don Julio. A powder which we suspect could be ‘cocaine’ and weed ‘edibles’ was also found in his vehicle,” Acting EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi stated. Makgato confirmed these findings, stating, “Four bottles of Don Julio tequilla… A powder which we suspect could be ‘cocaine’ and weed ‘edibles’ were also found in his vehicle.”
The details paint a disturbing picture of the events leading up to and following the accident. Mogaila, who had played in a match the previous evening for Sekhukhune United against Richards Bay FC, seemingly left the scene without rendering assistance to the injured. His actions have sparked widespread condemnation within the football community and beyond.
The incident has also raised questions about the alleged presence of alcohol and suspected narcotics in his vehicle. The investigation will undoubtedly delve into these aspects to determine their potential role in the accident. The possibility of charges related to drug possession may also be considered.
Despite initially fleeing the scene, Mogaila handed himself over to authorities at the Rabie Ridge Police Station near Midrand later on Wednesday afternoon. “The suspect has since handed himself to the police,” Chief Mkhwanazi confirmed. This development, while offering a degree of closure, does little to alleviate the grief of the family who lost their child.
The case against Mogaila is serious. He faces potentially lengthy prison sentences if convicted on all charges. The prosecution will need to present compelling evidence to demonstrate his culpability in the accident and his subsequent attempt to evade responsibility. The presence of alcohol and suspected drugs in his car will likely play a significant role in the proceedings.
