12-Year-Old Driver in Fatal Accident: South Africa Debates Child Accountability

A 12-year-old boy has been handed over to the Brakpan police by his guardian after allegedly driving his parent's car and fatally hitting a 14-year-old skateboarder on June 9, 2025, in South Africa. This tragic event has sparked a public debate on the accountability of minors and their guardians. One interviewee stated, "I think it is the child who should be held responsible because parents do their part to train up a child." Another added, "The mother, because she didn't bring him or her up right." The incident highlights the complexities of legal and moral responsibility when minors commit serious crimes. The case underscores the need for a broader societal discussion on the appropriate balance between holding children accountable for their actions and considering the role of parental guidance and supervision.