South African great-grandmother jailed for 20 years over deaths of three children

A 71-year-old South African woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing her three great-grandchildren after driving a vehicle off a mountain pass in the Western Cape province.

Susana “Sarie” De Villiers was sentenced on Thursday by the Worcester Regional Court after pleading guilty to the murders of Caleb Booysen, eight; Gradwell Booysen, five; and Joshua Booysen, 18 months.

According to South African news outlet Nova News, the children died on November 20, 2021, when the vehicle De Villiers was driving plunged off Bainskloof Pass. She survived the crash but sustained serious injuries, including broken ribs and a neck injury.

The court imposed a 20-year sentence for each murder but ordered the terms to run concurrently, meaning she will serve 20 years in total. It also declared her unfit to possess a firearm.

The children had been visiting De Villiers and other relatives at her home in Wellington and were expected to be driven home by her on the day of the incident. However, they never arrived.

Eyewitnesses told authorities that roadworks were underway on Bainskloof Pass, where traffic was being controlled at stop-and-go points. They reportedly saw De Villiers drive through the control points without stopping and pass a closed boom gate.

Traffic officers stopped other vehicles to prevent a possible head-on collision. When De Villiers’ vehicle failed to reach a fourth control point, a patrol vehicle was sent to investigate.

The vehicle was later discovered off the road, down the pass.

Caleb and Gradwell died at the scene, while Joshua survived briefly before succumbing to his injuries. Poor weather prevented a rescue helicopter from reaching the site, forcing rescuers to carry the toddler up to the road.

During Thursday’s proceedings, magistrate Clifton Maseti revoked De Villiers’ release on warning and issued a warrant committing her to prison.