Boy who killed mom had bright future

252 17.08.2014 The family of the 14 year old who accused of strangling his mother to death, speak to The Star at their home in Waterworks about the incident. The boy is expected to appear in court on monday morning.Picture:Sharon Seretlo

252 17.08.2014 The family of the 14 year old who accused of strangling his mother to death, speak to The Star at their home in Waterworks about the incident. The boy is expected to appear in court on monday morning.Picture:Sharon Seretlo

Published Aug 18, 2014

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Johannesburg - A 14-year-old boy who allegedly strangled his mother at the Waterworks informal settlement outside Soweto had won a bursary.

His aunt said the bursary was to further his high school studies in Mpumalanga next year.

On Sunday, his maternal family were worried whether the boy would be able to finish his studies and become a mechanical engineer.

The Grade 9 boy was expected to appear in the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Police spokesman Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng said the boy was facing a murder charge.

The teen - described as a loving, respectful and well-mannered boy by his family and neighbours - was arrested at home on Friday afternoon, where the murder took place.

He is alleged to have killed his mother and confessed to the incident to his aunt later.

His aunt, who cannot be named to prevent his identity being known because he is a minor, said the boy had earlier spent the afternoon at her place - as he usually did every afternoon - to complete his homework and have supper with them before walking back home to sleep.

On Thursday night, the aunt was shocked when the boy came running back to her place shortly after he had left for home.

She said the boy had burn wounds on his left arm and upper body. The aunt said she knew without any doubt that the wounds were caused by his mother.

“I was shocked when the boy broke the news of his mother’s (death). I was really shocked,” the aunt said.

She said the 14-year-old was being abused by his mother.

“He then explained that his mother started beating him with a stick all over his body after he had told her she didn’t see her hat…

“He said he tried to escape, but the door was locked and this got my sister angry. That’s when she then poured hot water from a kettle on him and tried hitting him with a brick,” the woman said.

She said the boy then pushed his mother, believed to be an alcoholic, to the ground and allegedly strangled her.

The family said they would support the teen throughout the case.

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The Star

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