South African footballer Shaun Mogaila, 29, is set to face charges of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving after allegedly fleeing a car crash that left a young girl dead, according to local police.
Mogaila, who plays for Sekhukhune United, was reportedly driving his BMW in Gauteng province on Wednesday morning when he collided with a car carrying a woman and two children.
Tragically, a nine-year-old girl was declared dead at the scene, as confirmed by a police spokesperson to news outlet IOL. Hours later, Mogaila voluntarily reported to the Rabie Ridge Police Station. He was scheduled to appear in magistrate’s court, but proceedings were delayed, according to a spokesperson from the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), reported by SowetanLive.
The woman and a 13-year-old passenger from the other car are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Footage of the crash, captured by a dashcam, has circulated widely on social media, sparking both outrage and debate. Some users have condemned Mogaila for the incident, while others commended him for eventually surrendering to authorities.
One X user expressed anxiety about road safety, saying, “This is what scares me to drive nowadays… you can drive safely with your family and still pass away.” Meanwhile, another defended Mogaila, noting, “You who are busy condemning Shaun Mogaila, let’s hope you don’t own cars. You have no idea what happens as soon as you cause an accident… the poor guy handed himself in after coming back to his senses.”
Just hours before the crash, Mogaila had been competing in a game against Richards Bay at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo.