Tragic murder of Hanover Park pensioner prompts police investigation

Philippi police are investigating a case of murder and house robbery following the death of 75-year-old Mary Serfontein from Hanover Park. 

She was found in her bed on the morning of Wednesday, July 23, after a suspected overnight burglary at her home.

According to Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, police responded to a complaint at 8:15am at a home in Surburg Walk, Hanover Park. Police found the body of the elderly woman in her bed. She was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.

Her son, Michael Douman, 57, who lived with her for the past 12 years, made the devastating discovery after returning home from his night shift as a security guard. 

He had last seen his mother alive when he left for work around 6:30pm on Tuesday, July 22.

“When I came home, I saw the door was slightly open. I immediately knew something was wrong,” Mr Douman said. 

“The lock was damaged. I noticed my two bikes were missing, cupboard doors were open—it was clear they had broken in. I went to her room and saw her face down on the pillow. It looked like they strangled her. They took everything,” he said.

Mr Douman said the intruders stole two bicycles worth R4 000, which had been kept next to the bed. They also took two cellphones, cash that had been kept near the phones, including R1 200 that belonged to his mother, a music box, and rings, all adding up to a total of around R6 000.

“It’s not easy. The word of the Lord says we must forgive, but what happened here is indescribable. As I stood at the door, I felt God telling me what had transpired. These people operate in the dark, but my prayer is that everything will be brought to light,” he said.

He said: “God knows what we go through. My heart is that justice will be done. What you sow, you will reap. God gives second chances, but this—this was not right.”

A memorial service for Ms Serfontein will be held at Hope Tabernacle Church PHC in Hanover Park on Wednesday, July 30. Her funeral is scheduled for Saturday, August 2.

Mr Douman described his mother as a kind and vibrant woman who was well-known in the community. 

“It was just the two of us in the home. She loved me so much, and I loved her. She was a strong woman—‘sy was 'n yster.’ Dit is aaklig dat dit nou gebeur het,” he said.

“She always spoke to everyone on the road. Everyone knew her and loved her.”

Community safety structures have offered support to Mr Douman and his family in the wake of the tragedy. He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of concern and help. “There are still people who care. The support I’ve received is a blessing.”

Hanover Park Community Police Forum spokeswoman Kaashiefa Mohamed said the Hanover Park community is heartbroken and outraged by the murder of the 75-year-old pensioner.

“This brutal crime has deeply affected residents, who are already living in fear due to ongoing gang violence and daily shootings. That our elderly are now being targeted is unacceptable,” she said. 

As South Africa approaches Women’s Month, marked in August, the community and local committees are calling for urgent action and justice. They need stronger policing, accountability, and for residents to unite in protecting the most vulnerable in our area, she said.

Police urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app anonymously.