Two more suspects arrested in Ditebogo Junior Phalane murder case

The Hawks have apprehended two additional individuals linked to the tragic killing of five-year-old Ditebogo Junior Phalane.

Arrest made in connection of little Phalane murder

In collaboration with the Arcasia Crime Prevention unit and Tshwane District CI, the Pretoria-based Hawks team conducted a coordinated operation to apprehend the suspects aged 29 and 30 on Monday. 

It’s reported that one of the suspects was previously granted bail concerning charges related to hijacking and attempted murder.

With these latest arrests, the total number of individuals detained in connection with the young boy’s murder now stands at four.

Earlier this month, tragedy struck when Phalane lost his life during a hijacking incident involving his father’s bakkie outside their residence in Soshanguve.

According to Hawks spokesperson Wendy Nkabi, following the receipt of pertinent information, law enforcement officers successfully tracked down additional suspects believed to be connected to Phalane’s murder.

“Information received from Crime Intelligence was operationalized late yesterday leading the multi-disciplinary to Soshanguve and Atteridgeville respectively where two suspects were arrested and two unlicensed firearms were recovered.

“One of the firearms is alleged to be the murder weapon used in the murder of Ditebogo Phalane but that will be confirmed once the firearms have been sent for testing,” Nkabi said.

Nkabi further mentioned that both suspects are scheduled to appear for the first time in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

“One of the suspects is believed to have been out on bail for alleged hijacking, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearm,” she said.

Last week, Gauteng police took into custody the two additional suspects.

Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, head of Gauteng police, commended law enforcement’s relentless efforts in tracking down the suspects.

Mthombeni revealed that a significant breakthrough enabled the police team to pinpoint specific addresses in Soshanguve, resulting in the arrest of two suspects. 

The apprehensions occurred at different locations.

In the meantime, Phalane’s family congregated at Soshanguve’s Kopang Hall last week to pay their final respects to the five-year-old boy.

Sorrowful farewell: Community grieves for Ditebogo Jr hijacking victim

Amidst heartbreak and sorrow, Ditebogo Phalane Jr’s parents said their last goodbyes to their cherished son a mere week after he fell victim to carjackers.

The poignant funeral service for the five-year-old unfolded at the Kopanong Hall in Soshanguve, situated north of Pretoria. 

The sombre gathering took place just a day following the apprehension of two suspects connected to the heartbreaking murder.

According to The Citizen, throughout the funeral service, Ditebogo Jr’s mother who recently gave birth to his little sister, wept inconsolably as she sat next to her visibly emotional husband.

His Soshanguve parents penned a poignant letter of farewell to their son in which they expressed their love and gratitude for the honour of being part of his live.

Makoti, Phalane’s cousin, delivered the obituary for the boy who dreamt of becoming a lawyer one day.

Fighting back the tears, he said that the five-year-old would be remembered for his magic smile which always brought hope to everyone’s hearts.