A deep tragedy struck Gauteng this week as a school psychologist passed away after visiting the crash site where a young girl, Gomolemo Mavimbela-Kekana, had lost her life. The fatal accident involved Sekhukhune United player Shaune Mogaila, whose BMW collided with the vehicle carrying Gomolemo, her mother, and a neighbor’s child. The psychologist, who worked closely with Edleen Primary School, where the young victim attended, collapsed shortly after returning from the accident scene.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, Steve Mabona, revealed that the psychologist, whose name has not been disclosed, worked with an NGO that supports Edleen Primary. She had just left the site of the tragic accident that claimed the life of nine-year-old Gomolemo. Upon returning to the school, she reportedly collapsed, and despite the quick response of paramedics, she was declared dead on the scene.
An Unbearable Grief: Tragic Collapse Following Scene Visit
Mabona suggested that the psychologist might have been deeply affected by the distressing scene where Gomolemo’s life was cut short. “Coming back to the school, we understand that the lady collapsed, and despite paramedics’ efforts, she was declared dead at the scene,” he said, offering condolences to her family and colleagues.
The emotional toll of witnessing such tragic scenes is profound, and this incident has shaken both the school community and the wider Gauteng region. The Department of Education conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families affected, acknowledging the profound loss felt by both the school staff and the psychologist’s loved ones.
Sekhukhune United Player Involved: Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident, which took place on Andrew Mapheto Road in Tembisa, involved Mogaila’s BMW M2 colliding with a Hyundai Grand i10 driven by Gomolemo’s mother. The nine-year-old lost her life on the scene, while her mother, Keo Mavimbela-Kekana, and a 13-year-old boy from the neighborhood sustained severe injuries and remain in critical condition at Tembisa Tertiary Hospital.
Eyewitnesses to the crash described seeing Mogaila’s vehicle “flying” down the road at a high speed before the tragic collision. Law enforcement later discovered bottles of alcohol, marijuana edibles, and a powder suspected to be cocaine in the player’s vehicle. Mogaila initially fled the scene but turned himself in at the Rabie Ridge police station.
Court Proceedings and Sekhukhune United’s Response
Shaune Mogaila appeared in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of culpable homicide, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. The court granted him R20,000 bail, with no specific conditions attached, and cautioned him to appear for his next hearing in February 2025. Sekhukhune United has expressed condolences to the bereaved family and those injured, though the club refrained from further comment, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.
A Community Mourns
This tragic incident has left the Edleen Primary School community reeling from an unimaginable loss. The untimely death of both the young learner and the dedicated psychologist has highlighted the ripple effect of trauma within communities impacted by accidents and violence.
As families, educators, and the broader community come to terms with the losses, the incident underscores the profound emotional impact on individuals who respond to and bear witness to tragedy.
Related article: Sekhukhune United’s Shaun Mogaila Appears in Court After Fatal Crash
