12-Year-Old Faces Court After Fatal Crash Claims Life of 14-Year-Old Skateboarder
A 12-year-old boy from South Africa appeared before the Brakpan magistrates court on Monday, June 9, charged with culpable homicide and driving without a license following a tragic car accident that claimed the life of 14-year-old skateboarder Malcolm Booysens.
Malcolm was pronounced dead at the scene after the collision, which occurred just days after his birthday. The National Prosecuting Authority reported that the young driver was not arrested but was taken to the Brakpan police charge office, where he spent the night before being released into his parents’ custody. The court has adjourned the case until August 28 to evaluate the minor’s criminal responsibility.
The accident took place around 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, at the intersection of Madeley and Northdene streets. Authorities revealed that the boy was driving his parents’ vehicle when he struck Malcolm, who was skateboarding, before crashing into a nearby house wall. Emergency responders declared Malcolm deceased at the scene.
Ekhuruleni municipality spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed the discovery of both the body and the vehicle involved. Malcolm’s father, Quinton Booysens, shared with Sowetan that his son had just parted ways with him to visit a friend who was not home at the time of the accident.
Quinton also disclosed that Malcolm’s mother was visited by the 12-year-old’s mother after the crash, who reportedly admitted her son had no permission to drive the car. “But no matter what she says or does, it won’t bring Malcolm back,” Quinton remarked poignantly.