A shocking incident in Brakpan sees a 12-year-old boy facing culpable homicide charges after allegedly hitting and killing a 14-year-old pedestrian while driving without a licence.
Brakpan Tragedy: In an incident that has sent shockwaves through the Brakpan community and beyond, a 12-year-old boy is now facing serious legal consequences after allegedly causing a tragic accident that claimed the life of a 14-year-old pedestrian.
The fatal event unfolded on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the corner of Madeley and Northdeene Street in Brakpan, Gauteng. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the young boy was reportedly behind the wheel of his parents’ Mazda when he struck the 14-year-old, who died at the scene from severe injuries. The incident did not end there, as the vehicle allegedly crashed into a wall after the collision.
Court Appearance and Legal Proceedings
The 12-year-old appeared at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 9, 2025, accompanied by his guardian. He is facing charges of culpable homicide and driving a motor vehicle without a licence.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed the details of the accident and outlined the charges. She noted that the boy was taken to the Brakpan police station shortly after the incident and was released into his parents’ care on June 8, 2025.
“The matter has been postponed to August 28, 2025, to allow the court to assess and determine the child’s criminal capacity,” said Mahanjana.
Emergency Response and Scene Investigation
According to Zweli Dlamini, spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni, officers from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s (EMPD) Accident Bureau responded promptly to the tragic scene.
“Upon arrival, our officers found a Mazda that had allegedly struck the pedestrian. Paramedics were already on-site and had declared the 14-year-old deceased,” said Dlamini.
Eyewitness reports and official findings suggest that the young driver lost control of the vehicle shortly after the impact, resulting in the car colliding with a wall nearby.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Concerns
This devastating event has reignited national discussions around child safety, parental responsibility, and road law enforcement in South Africa. Many community members and advocacy groups have raised concerns about how a child could gain unsupervised access to a vehicle.
“This is not just about one family’s pain—this is a wake-up call for all of us,” said one resident. “We need to have tougher conversations about children, vehicles, and accountability.”
Next Steps in the Case
With the court date set for August 28, 2025, legal authorities will now examine whether the 12-year-old understood the consequences of his actions at the time of the incident—this will determine if he can be held criminally liable.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, legal experts and psychologists alike will play a critical role in evaluating the minor’s intent, maturity, and mental capacity.
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