Son believes mother was suffocated in Hanover Park burglary
Mary Douman, 70, was murdered during a home invasion in Hanover Park.
Image: Supplied
The son of a 70-year-old woman murdered in her Hanover Park home during a burglary believes she was suffocated. He highlighted that she had been a beloved member of the community for over 40 years.
Michael Douman, the son of Mary Douman told Cape Argus their family was reeling in shock after her body was discovered inside her bedroom on Wednesday just after 8am.
She had been found with her face on a pillow and various items such as a Mountain Bike, cash and jewelry were missing.
(Michael) Douman, who works as a security guard, had been on nightshift and returned home the next day and found his mother’s body.
It was first believed that a suspect had been detained after video footage was obtained.
But police confirmed there were no arrests in the case
Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk said: “Kindly be advised that the matter you are referring to is still under investigation. There are no new developments to report to the media at this stage.”
Douman said his mother was well-loved and had a caring heart and did not deserve her violent death.
“We moved to Hanover Park when I was 13-years-old,” he said.
“She was a wonderful and strong woman.
“I am in my fifties and she still wanted to take care of me as a mother, that was the type of person that she was.
“She was a very healthy person also and she would help other residents who had illness or sickness.”
One of the bikes which were stolen from Mary Douman's home during her murder. pic supplied One of the bikes which were stolen from Mary Douman's home during her murder. pic supplied
Image: supplied
Douman said various items such as cash to the value of R6000, jewelry and a mountain bike were missing.
“I think that they must have smothered her using the pillow,” he explained.
“We are however waiting for the police to give us more information.
“They had the time to take everything, they did not care what they did and who they kicked to feed their selfish ways.
“They took a 2016 Mongoose Mountain bike and a folding bike, watches and R6000 in cash.”
Earlier Cape Argus reported that residents rallied together stating they would hunt down her killers, by searching premises in the community for the bikes which would lead them to the suspect/s.
Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said cases of murder and house robbery were opened for investigation.
“A public appeal is hereby made to anyone who can shed light on the circumstances surrounding this incident to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.”
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus