12-Year-Old in Custody After Fatal Brakpan Crash

Natalie Nyathi

BRAKPAN, SOUTH AFRICA – A sad event has shaken Brakpan, East Rand, after a 12-year-old was arrested following a joyride that ended in tragedy. The young driver is accused of hitting and killing a 14-year-old pedestrian while driving a car.

The crash happened when the 12-year-old, driving a Mazda, ran a stop sign at the corner of Northdene Avenue and Madeley Street. According to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, the car hit the 14-year-old, named Malcolm Booysen, who was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed what happened, saying that police arrived to find the lifeless body of Malcolm. “The officers found the lifeless body of a 14-year-old pedestrian, who was declared deceased on scene by paramedics,” Dlamini reported. He also mentioned that the young driver disobeyed a stop sign, which led to the accident.

After the crash, the 12-year-old was handed over to the Brakpan police, accompanied by a guardian. The young driver is expected to appear in court soon.

The community is in shock over this tragedy, with many people calling for stricter traffic rules in residential areas and near schools. Counseling services have been offered to those who witnessed the accident or are feeling upset.

This incident has sparked important discussions about child safety and who can access vehicles. Ekurhuleni metro authorities are urging parents to ensure that their children do not drive, stressing the need to prevent more tragedies like this.

In South Africa, a learner’s license can be obtained at 16 years old, while a regular driver’s license can only be obtained at 18. How the 12-year-old got access to the car is still being looked into.