A somber cloud hangs over Brakpan, Ekurhuleni, following a tragic incident that has claimed the life of a 14-year-old pedestrian. A 12-year-old boy has been taken into custody after allegedly causing a fatal collision at the corner of Northdene and Medeley streets on Saturday, 7 June 2025.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Accident Bureau Officers were called to the scene at approximately 13:45. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of Malcolm Booysen, a 14-year-old learner at Laerskool Brakpan-Oos. Paramedics on the scene declared him deceased.
According to Zweli Dlamini, spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni, officers also found a Mazda vehicle at the scene, reportedly driven by the 12-year-old. It is alleged that the young driver failed to obey a stop sign, resulting in the vehicle colliding with Malcolm. The Mazda had also reportedly crashed into the wall of a nearby house.
"Officers found the lifeless body of a 14-year-old pedestrian, who was declared deceased on scene by the paramedics," Dlamini confirmed. "Also at the scene, the officers found a Mazda that allegedly bumped the pedestrian driven by a 12-year-old driver."
The young driver was handed over to the Brakpan South African Police Service (SAPS) in the company of his guardian. He has been charged with culpable homicide and has been released into the custody of his parents. He is expected to appear before the Brakpan Magistrate's Court soon.
"The driver was handed in, accompanied by his guardian, to the Brakpan SAPS," Dlamini stated. "It is alleged that the driver used the motor vehicle and disobeyed a stop sign and collided into the pedestrian."
The tragic incident has prompted calls for increased parental vigilance regarding access to vehicles. Dlamini urged parents to take extra precautions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
"A very unfortunate incident indeed, and our condolences as a city go to the family of the deceased," Dlamini said. "But at the same time it is very important that we pass this message to our communities. Let's make sure that we keep car keys safe, lets make sure that we do not give access to our cars to children below the age of the driving age. And also, people who do not have the necessary documents to drive a vehicle."
The minimum legal age to obtain a driver's licence in South Africa is 18 years.
The community is reeling from the loss of young Malcolm Booysen. A vigil was held for him on Sunday at 13:00 at 39 Northdene Avenue, providing an opportunity for friends, family, and community members to come together and pay their respects.
"The officers found the lifeless body of a 14-year-old pedestrian, who was declared deceased on the scene by paramedics," Dlamini explained. "Also at the scene, the officers found a Mazda that allegedly struck the pedestrian, driven by a 12-year-old."
The EMPD confirmed that the young driver ran a stop sign before the fatal collision. The minor has been charged with culpable homicide and has been released in the custody of his parents, pending his court appearance.
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