The community of Brakpan is still reeling in shock following the tragic death of 14-year-old Malcolm Booysens, who was fatally injured after being hit by a car allegedly driven by a 12-year-old boy. The incident, which took place on Saturday afternoon, has left a family broken and a father desperately seeking help as he struggles to cope with the loss of his son.
Malcolm, who had just celebrated his 14th birthday a few days earlier, was skateboarding near the corner of Madeley and Northdene streets when the tragedy struck. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle, a Mazda allegedly being driven by the 12-year-old, veered out of control, hitting Malcolm before crashing into the wall of a nearby house.
According to Zweli Dlamini, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Municipality, paramedics declared Malcolm dead at the scene. “Officers found the lifeless body of a pedestrian [Malcolm], who was declared deceased at the scene by the paramedics,” Dlamini said.
The young driver, who is too young to possess a valid driver’s licence, was not immediately arrested but was taken to the Brakpan police charge office. He spent the night in custody before being released into the care of his parents the following day. Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), confirmed that the boy appeared before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of culpable homicide and driving without a licence. The court postponed the matter to August 28 to assess his criminal capacity, given his age.
Speaking to local media, Malcolm’s father, Quinton Booysens, recounted the heartbreaking moments leading up to his son’s death. He revealed that Malcolm was killed just minutes after they had parted ways. The young teen had gone to visit a friend nearby but tragically never made it back home.
Adding to the family’s heartbreak, the mother of the 12-year-old driver visited the Booysens family after the accident. She explained that her son had taken the car without permission, but for Quinton, no apology or explanation can bring his beloved son back. “No matter what she says or does, it won’t bring Malcolm back,” he said, overwhelmed with grief.
Now unemployed and struggling to make ends meet, Quinton has appealed to the community and the public for assistance. The sudden and tragic loss of his son has placed an emotional and financial burden on the family, as they navigate both their grief and the challenges of everyday life.
As the legal process continues, the Brakpan community remains in shock over the incident. Many are left questioning how such a young child gained access to a vehicle and how such a preventable tragedy could unfold. The coming weeks will determine the legal consequences, but for Malcolm’s family, the emotional wounds will remain long after the court proceedings have ended.