Outrage over bail for PSL player after tragic crash

The family of a nine-year-old girl who died in a terrible crash involving Shaun Mogaila, a 29-year-old player for Sekhukhune United, is very upset with the justice system after he was granted R20,000 bail, claiming it benefits famous people.

The crash also left the girl’s mother and a 13-year-old boy in the hospital. Mogaila appeared in court for the first time on Friday after the accident on October 30.

Police reportedly found suspected cocaine, edibles, and expensive tequila in Mogaila’s car.

He allegedly fled the scene but later turned himself in.

The court session was meant to start at 8.30am but began just before 2pm.

The girl’s family grew worried when they noticed Mogaila’s name was missing from the day’s case list, leading them to suspect something was wrong.

When he finally entered the courtroom with a bandage on his forehead, family members broke down in tears.

State prosecutor Maxwell Randima said Mogaila faces charges of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, and fleeing the scene, and mentioned that a viral dash cam video will be analysed.

Randima stated that the State had no reason to oppose Mogaila’s bail application.

Mogaila’s lawyer, Octavius Magunda, claimed his client earns R40,000 a month and could afford a bail of R5,000.

However, Magistrate Hlengiwe Malevu set the bail at R20,000 without any extra conditions and postponed the case until February 4 for further investigation.

Malevu noted that the State needs to investigate outstanding video footage, a post-mortem report, and a medical statement.

Outside court, Patrick Kekana, the uncle of the deceased girl, expressed anger at Mogaila being released on bail.

“I am not happy that this boy is released on bail while I lost my niece, and her mother is still in critical condition in the ICU along with the 13-year-old boy,” Kekana said.

He accused the justice system of favouring famous individuals, stating that having money makes everything easier, while those without it face difficulties.

Lele Lefakane, chairperson of the Thembisa Community Forum, criticized the lack of bail conditions for Mogaila.

“As a community, we are very disappointed. We expected better, especially since he fled the scene after the crash,” Lefakane said.

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