13-year-old Daylin Adams died a hero, protecting his 3-year-old cousin from bullets
Daylin Adams
Image: Supplied
The Elsies River community is preparing to say goodbye to 13-year-old Daylin Adams, a Grade 5 learner at Valhalla Primary School, who was shot and killed on Sunday in what loved ones have described as a senseless act of violence that has left an entire community shattered.
The full-of-life youngster, remembered for his infectious smile and big dreams, was allegedly trying to shield his three-year-old cousin when unknown gunmen ambushed the vehicle he was travelling in while returning home after collecting pizza in Goodwood.
According to the family, Daylin had been travelling with his uncle and three cousins aged two, three and 18 when gunfire erupted. Daylin, who had been seated in the front of the vehicle, reportedly leaned over toward his younger cousin seated at the back in an apparent attempt to protect him.
The 18-year-old cousin was also wounded in the shooting but managed to pull the two-year-old child from the vehicle and carry the toddler onto a nearby field for safety.
Despite being shot through the face, the uncle managed to drive the vehicle back home. It was only once they arrived that the family realised Daylin had been struck by a bullet.
He was declared dead on the scene.
Speaking to Weekend Argus, Daylin’s devastated mother, Lucille Adams, recalled the unimaginable moment she learnt her eldest son had been killed.
Lucille said she had been eagerly awaiting a reunion with her son after being released on bail on Monday while awaiting trial on drug-related charges. She was arrested on Christmas Eve 2025, the last time she saw her son.
“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 back tears, Lucille described Daylin as a child with endless ambition and a heart full of love.
“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.
Lucillle Adams was inconsolable
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
“I wish I could tell him for one last time how much I love him. I just want justice for my baby.”
Lucille said Daylin had dreamed of becoming a welder, a firefighter and a soccer player.
Community activist Michael Papier, who said he had known Daylin since birth, described the child’s death as a heartbreaking blow to the entire area.
“Daylin was just that child who climbed into everyone’s hearts. On Sunday when the car pulled up in front of their place, no-one could believe it.
“What was even more heartsore is that Daylin ran down to go with to get pizza, what if he stayed…”
Papier said the constant loss of innocent lives to violence had left communities emotionally exhausted.
“How many more families have to go through this type of pain? How much more innocent children has to lose their lives?
Michael Papier with Lucille
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
“It’s heartbreaking to witness every second Saturday a mother standing with warm tears rolling down her face, because she has to bury her child.”
Daylin will be laid to rest on Saturday with assistance from ward councillor Franchesca Walker, who said he had known the boy for nearly a decade.
“He was such a bright young helpful boy, my heart shattered when I found out. I could hardly sleep the Sunday evening when I received a call.
“Every time I lose a child in my ward it’s like a stab in the heart. I am a mother, a grandmother and I cannot comprehend the pain that they are going through, so all I can do from my side as a councillor is to offer support, it’s the least I can do.”
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are under investigation.