Cape Town - A 14-year-old boy has been taken in for questioning in connection with the murder of a Cape Flats pensioner.
The teen was due to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday for allegedly killing his 63-year-old neighbour for R100.
The boy, who cannot be named as he is a minor, is accused of murdering Ursula Hugo, 63, of Hanover Park, who was found dead in her home in March.
The matter could not be heard because the case docket was not at court and he was taken back to Wynberg Police Station holding cells.
On Thursday, close relatives of Ursula’s confirmed the teen had been arrested and that he had allegedly confessed to killing her, but would not comment any further.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, would not comment on the case, saying it could hamper the investigation.
“The investigation into the murder case is at a sensitive stage,” Rwexana says.
The house where the woman's body was found. Picture: Bertram Malgas
“Unfortunately details of the investigation cannot be divulged in the public domain for fear of jeopardising the case.”
On 22 March, Ursula was found stabbed to death in her home in John Turf Road.
It is believed the killer had entered the kitchen through the back door as Ursula went inside, and hit her with a metal bar in her head.
The killer proceeded to her bedroom where he stole R100 from her purse.
Ursula’s body was discovered after neighbours became worried when they did not see the grandmother leaving her house for nearly a week.
A member of the community shows the Daily Voice where the woman's body was found. Picture: Bertram Malgas
A neighbour said the grandmother would usually sweep in her yard then sit in the sun with a cup of tea.
A boy jumped over the fence, and found her door open and Ursula lying on the floor with an open wound to the head.
Ursula’s son, Angelo Hugo, would not comment on their young neighbour’s arrest but claims the teen had confessed to killing his elderly mom.
“I can’t comment as we don’t know if this is all true. We know he confessed but are waiting on the detective to tell us if it is true,” he says.
“This is opening up old wounds after such a long time. I’m trying to be strong until I know the verdict.”