A LIMPOPO man briefly appeared in the Nebo Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to face a murder charge after allegedly hacking his mother to death with an axe.

Police said Patrick Kgalema, 48, allegedly killed his mother Mamorokong Maria Kgalema, 71, after she refused to give him money for booze.

The incident took place on Saturday night at Mamone village when the accused allegedly went home drunk and locked his mother in the house and demanded money.

When she refused, he started assaulting her with bare hands before hacking her to death.

Jane Furse police spokesman Constable Moses Molepo said: "Kgalema allegedly locked his mother inside the house to prevent members of the community from rescuing her."

Molepo said the neighbours who heard the excruciating cries of the old woman went to the house to try and rescue her but their efforts failed as the door was locked.

"Police were called to the scene and forcefully opened the door but Kgalema fled the scene. They found the old woman bleeding profusely.

"She was rushed to Jane Furse Hospital with multiple head injuries. She died two days after the incident.

"The axe used to attack the deceased was also confiscated and would be used as part of evidence."

Kgalema was arrested the following day.

Molepo said the attack happened after the accused was allegedly involved in a drinking binge at a local tavern.

"He wanted his mother to give him her old age grant to buy alcohol," Molepo said.

Kgalema was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody.

His case was postponed to next Tuesday.