Suspects accused of killing Ditebogo Phalane abandon bail

The three men accused of killing five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane while hijacking his father in Soshanguve have abandoned their bail application. 

The three men from Soshanguve South, Elia Moeko (36), Ali Sithole (30), and Nido Gumbe (29), briefly appeared at the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 28 May. 

SUSPECTS ACCUSED OF KILLING DITEBOGO PHALANE APPEAR IN COURT 

The South African previously reported that Ditebogo Phalane was shot on Friday night, 10 May, as he welcomed his father home. 

After investigations by the Directorate of Priority Crime Detection, the three were arrested at Pretoria Moot Police Station on 23 May, where they were kept in custody for other unrelated charges. 

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the three men are facing charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. 

In addition, Gumbe, a Mozambican national, is facing a charge of being illegal in the country.  

NPA spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said in court, the three abandoned their bail application and disclosed to the court that they had pending cases.  

ALL ACCUSED HAVE PENDING CASES

Mahanjana said Moeko has a pending case of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

On the other hand, Sithole has a pending case at Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates’ Court that will appear on 28 June. He is facing charges of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, attempted murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances. He also has a pending case at Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court, where he is facing charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of ammunition. 

Furthermore, Gumbe also has a pending case at Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court, where he is facing charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of ammunition.

“This matter was postponed to 27 August for further investigations and a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions,” Mahanjana said.