Mother forgives 12-year-old driver after son’s tragic death
After losing her 14-year-old son in an accident involving a 12-year-old driver, Helen-Ann Pelser spoke to the Herald about the power of forgiveness.
The mother of 14-year-old Malcolm Booysen, who died on Saturday after being hit by a vehicle driven by a 12-year-old child, told the Brakpan Herald this morning (Monday) that she has forgiven the child responsible for the accident.
“My Malcolm was a child who believed in God and he would have wanted it this way,” said Helen-Ann Pelser.
“In the past, I probably would have held a grudge, but thanks to my husband, Quinton, who brought our whole family closer to the Lord and the church, I feel that forgiveness is the right thing to do,” she said.
Still, she says she never wants to relive the moment she heard that her child had passed away.
“It was the longest moment of my life when I had to drive from my sister’s flat to the place where the accident happened,” said an emotional Helen-Ann.
According to her, she was at her sister Marissa Strauss’s flat in Prince George Avenue on Saturday when a chaplain arrived with the tragic news.
“We went to the scene with my sister and the chaplain, Henry Bruinette,” Helen-Ann recounted.
“I prayed all the way there, and I wish that experience on no one.”
The family does not live far from the where the accident occurred, along Northdene Avenue.
READ: Follow-up: Community holds emotional vigil for teen killed in accident involving 12-year-old driver
According to Helen-Ann, Malcolm and his two younger brothers, Jason (12) and Jacques (10), as well as older brother Austin (17), were very close to one another.
“Malcolm enjoyed collecting and trading Hot Wheels cars,” she said.
“He was a child who went to church and Sunday school, and if his younger brothers didn’t want to go, he would always encourage them to go along.”
Helen-Ann also expressed gratitude to everyone who has reached out to her and her family during this time of sorrow.
“I was completely surprised and overwhelmed when I saw how many people showed up at Sunday’s vigil,” she said.
“There were people I didn’t even know who came to me and said they knew Malcolm and are praying for us.”
“I believe my child is in Heaven because his heart was right.”
The family is still busy with funeral arrangements.
