Elsies River Mourns 13-Year-Old Boy Killed While Shielding 3-Year-Old Cousin During Shooting

The Elsies River community is preparing to bid farewell to 13-year-old Daylin Adams, a Grade 5 pupil at Valhalla Primary School, who lost his life during a shooting while reportedly trying to shield his young cousin from gunfire.

Daylin was travelling home on Sunday evening with his uncle and three cousins after collecting pizza in Goodwood when unknown gunmen opened fire on their vehicle. The youngster, remembered for his cheerful personality and ambitious dreams, was later declared dead at the scene.

According to relatives, Daylin had been sitting in the front seat alongside his uncle, while his cousins, aged two, three and 18, were seated in the back of the vehicle.

Elsies River Shooting Claims Life Of Grade 5 Learner

Family members said gunshots suddenly rang out as the vehicle made its way home. During the attack, Daylin allegedly leaned towards his three-year-old cousin in an effort to protect the child from the bullets.

The 18-year-old cousin sustained injuries during the shooting but reportedly managed to remove the two-year-old child from the vehicle. The teenager then carried the toddler to a nearby field to keep him safe.

Despite suffering a gunshot wound to the face, the uncle managed to drive the vehicle back to the family home. It was only after arriving there that relatives discovered Daylin had been struck by a bullet.

Mother Speaks About Pain Of Losing Daylin Adams

Daylin’s mother, Lucille Adams, shared her heartbreak while speaking about the loss of her eldest son. She revealed that she had been looking forward to reuniting with him after being released on bail on Monday while awaiting trial on drug-related charges.

Lucille said she had last seen her son on Christmas Eve in 2025 when she was arrested. She explained that Daylin had hoped to use his Sassa grant money to help secure her release.

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“I was so excited to see him. I heard he wanted to save his Sassa money to bail me out. I wanted to surprise him, hug him, let him know that I am home, then they told me what happened,” she said.

Fighting through tears, Lucille described Daylin as a child with big ambitions and a loving spirit.

Daylin Adams Remembered As Child With Big Dreams

Lucille said her son dreamed of becoming a welder, a firefighter and a soccer player. She added that he stayed away from trouble and always wanted a brighter future.

“He was such a positive child, he never hanged out with the wrong crowd, he dreamt big, he wanted better.

“It feels like a piece of me was ripped out of my soul. No mother should ever feel this pain, it’s unbearable.

“He was just a child, he was just a baby, he was not a gangster.

“He did not deserve this, he deserves to live. I know people will say he’s in a better place, I know he is, but I want him back.

“I miss him, I miss his morning kisses, his constant hanging on me, I was looking forward to that again. I will miss his energy, how he would tell me he loves me and when I say it back that face he would pull.

“I wish I could tell him for one last time how much I love him. I just want justice for my baby.”

Police investigations into the shooting are ongoing, and no arrests have been confirmed at this stage.