A South African great-grandmother has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after admitting responsibility for the deaths of her three great-grandchildren in a vehicle incident on Bainskloof Pass in the Western Cape.
Susana “Sarie” De Villiers was sentenced on Thursday by the Worcester Regional Court following her guilty pleas to the three murders in March 2025, according to South African news outlet Nova News.
The victims were Caleb Booysen, eight, Gradwell Booysen, five, and Joshua Booysen, 18 months old.
Court Orders Three Murder Sentences to Run Concurrently
The court imposed a 20-year prison term for each of the three murders. However, it ordered the sentences to run concurrently, meaning De Villiers will serve a total of 20 years rather than 60.
The court also declared her unfit to possess a firearm.
During the sentencing proceedings, magistrate Clifton Maseti revoked De Villiers’ release on warning and issued a warrant committing her to prison.
Children Died After Vehicle Plunged Down Bainskloof Pass
The deaths occurred on November 20, 2021, when De Villiers drove a vehicle off Bainskloof Pass. She survived the incident but suffered serious injuries, including broken ribs and a neck injury.
The three children had been visiting De Villiers and other relatives at her home in Wellington. They were expected to be driven home by their great-grandmother that day, but they never reached their destination.
Witnesses Reportedly Saw Vehicle Pass Roadwork Controls
According to accounts reported by Nova News, roadworks were underway along Bainskloof Pass at the time, with traffic being managed through stop-and-go control points.
Eyewitnesses reportedly told authorities that De Villiers drove through the traffic control points without stopping and passed a closed boom gate.
Traffic control officers stopped other vehicles to reduce the risk of a head-on collision. When De Villiers’ vehicle did not reach a fourth control point, a patrol vehicle was sent to investigate.
The vehicle was subsequently discovered after it had left the road and plunged down the pass.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Poor Weather
Caleb and Gradwell died at the scene, while Joshua survived for a short period before succumbing to his injuries, Nova News reported.
Adverse weather conditions prevented a rescue helicopter from reaching the accident site. Rescuers were therefore forced to carry the toddler up to the road.
Guilty Pleas Preceded Final Sentencing
De Villiers pleaded guilty to all three murders in March 2025, bringing the criminal proceedings to the sentencing stage.
The Worcester Regional Court’s decision means she will serve a total prison term of 20 years, alongside the order prohibiting her from possessing a firearm.
