Brits – Teenager Kgaugelo Masenya appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where he accepted full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged that his reckless driving caused the crash and death of 65-year-old Patrick Jewell.
The 19-year-old pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and driving without a licence when he crashed into Jewell three years ago.
Jewell, a father and grandfather, died nearly three weeks after the 21 September 2021 incident.
In a statement read out in the Brits Magistrates Court yesterday, Masenya accepted full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged that his reckless driving caused the crash and death of Jewell.
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit which represents Jewell’s daughter, Jacky Jewell, previously revealed that the teenager’s father is a captain in the SA Police Service VIP Protection Unit.
Masenya was 16 years old at the time of the incident.
Last month, Masenya approached the National Prosecuting Authority requesting that his case be referred for diversion rather than trial.
“If diverted, the accused will not have a criminal record,” the unit said, adding that it assisted Jacky Jewell in opposing the application due to the serious nature of the offence.
Masenya pleaded guilty after the prosecutor informed the court that his diversion application had been rejected.
The court adjourned the matter to 26 June 2024 for sentencing.
Commenting on the guilty plea, Jacky Jewell described it as a huge weight lifted off her shoulders.
“I can’t describe this feeling. Justice has been done for my dad. I am so grateful for AfriForum’s support, Chris Gouws in particular who pushed through and never let go.
“Eventually, my dad mattered, so there is justice for him”.
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit Spokesperson Barry Bateman said Masenya’s decision to plead guilty was the right thing to do.
“We are satisfied that Masenya has accepted responsibility for killing Mr. Jewell,” said Bateman.
“His conduct left a family without a father and grandfather and caused untold emotional hurt.
“But it should never have taken three years to reach this point.
“Jacky and her family have been yearning for justice, that would never have been served if the [AfriForum] Private Prosecution Unit had not intervened.
“It’s another sign of a failing system and a callous disregard for the victims of crime.”
