Ouma, 71, Found Guilty of Premeditated Murder for Driving Children Off Bainskloof Pass
A 71-year-old great-grandmother from Wellington has been convicted on three counts of premeditated murder after confessing to intentionally driving a vehicle with her three great-grandchildren off Bainskloof Pass, leading to their fatalities.
The incident occurred on November 20, 2021, when Susana “Sarie” de Villiers disregarded roadwork barriers at the top of Bainskloof Pass, plunging approximately 80 meters down the mountainside.
The crash resulted in the deaths of two-year-old Joshua Booysen, five-year-old Gradwell Booysen, and eight-year-old Caleb Booysen. De Villiers survived the fall.
At the Worcester Regional Court, it was revealed that the three boys had been in foster care for about six months before their deaths, following concerns over their parents’ substance abuse that led to their removal from their home.
Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed the conviction and stated that De Villiers is set to return to the Worcester Regional Court for sentencing on August 7, 2026.
Evidence presented in court indicated that the children had spent time with her and other family members in Wellington prior to De Villiers driving them away that afternoon. During the trip, she deliberately veered the vehicle off the road and down the steep descent.
After the crash, De Villiers was taken to a hospital in Paarl for psychiatric observation and evaluation before being transferred to Valkenberg Hospital for further assessment.
A group of psychiatric experts determined that she was mentally fit to stand trial and was capable of distinguishing between right and wrong at the time of the incident.
The panel reportedly concluded that her actions were intentional, albeit conducted in an impulsive manner.
Throughout the trial, De Villiers accepted responsibility for the deaths of the three children. In her plea explanation, she expressed that she believed she was shielding the boys from a life filled with pain and hardship.
De Villiers informed the court that she was overcome with feelings of despair, hopelessness, and frustration. While she acknowledged planning the act, she insisted there was no extensive preparation involved beforehand.
Her defense team attempted to argue that her emotional state lessened her culpability for the crimes. However, the State dismissed this argument and pursued prosecution on charges of premeditated murder.
De Villiers remains in custody as the court prepares to impose a suitable sentence for the three counts of premeditated murder.