Brakpan in Mourning: Community Grieves Young Malcolm Booysen at Tearful Vigil

“We love you forever, Malcolm.” These words, scribbled in marker on a white wooden cross, echoed the heartbreak that hung heavy in the Brakpan air on Sunday afternoon. A community gathered, shaken and grieving, to remember a life stolen too soon — 14-year-old Malcolm Booysen, the boy with a bright smile who never made it home.

A community brought to its knees

The vigil, held at the site where Malcolm lost his life, drew a quiet crowd of family, friends, classmates, and neighbours. Many came with flowers. Others brought candles or handwritten notes. Some simply stood in silence, too stunned to speak.

At the centre of it all stood Malcolm’s parents, Helen-Ann and Quinton Booysen. Helen sobbed uncontrollably as community members embraced her, gently holding her up when her legs buckled beneath the weight of her grief. A pastor led the group in prayer, reading scripture while birds chirped faintly in the background — the only sound beside muffled weeping.

Malcolm’s three brothers — Austin (18), Jason (11), and Jacques (9) — each took a moment to write personal messages to their brother on the white cross, their hands trembling as they pressed markers to wood.

“He didn’t deserve this,” Austin whispered through tears.

A tragedy no one can make sense of

Malcolm’s death, caused by a vehicle reportedly driven by a 12-year-old child, has left the Brakpan community confused and outraged. How did a child get behind the wheel? Why wasn’t someone there to stop it? While details around the incident are still unfolding, one thing is heartbreakingly clear: a young life is gone, and a family is forever changed.

Malcolm’s grandfather, André Booysen, 66, stood off to the side, quietly watching the tributes pile up. “We’re all in shock,” he told the Brakpan Herald. “We still can’t believe he’s really gone.”

The silent questions no one wants to ask

This tragedy also raises deeper, uncomfortable questions about road safety and accountability in South Africa — especially when it comes to underage drivers. While specific details surrounding the incident are yet to be officially confirmed, many locals have taken to social media expressing outrage and disbelief.

“How does a 12-year-old even have access to a vehicle?” asked one commenter on a local Facebook group. Another added, “We’ve normalised lawlessness, and this is the cost.”

Others, however, have urged compassion — not just for Malcolm’s family but also for the child behind the wheel, who will now live with this haunting moment etched into their childhood.

Malcolm: the boy behind the name

Known for his quick wit and infectious laughter, Malcolm was the kind of teen who made friends easily and smiled with his whole face. Those who knew him said he loved sports, music, and playing games with his younger brothers. “He was always the one looking out for the little ones,” said a family friend.

He was just starting to find himself, just beginning to dream of who he might one day become.

What comes next?

For now, Brakpan is left with its grief — a hollow ache that no words can fill. As the community lights candles and writes messages of love on that white cross, one thing remains true: Malcolm Booysen will not be forgotten.

“He touched more lives than he probably ever knew,” his grandfather said softly. “Now, all we can do is remember him — and pray that no other family has to go through this.”

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com