Suspect out on bail among two more arrested for murder of five-year-old boy

THE GAUTENG police arrested two additional suspects, aged 29 and 30, for the murder of five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane, who was killed during the hijacking of his father’s car in Soshanguve, Tshwane.

The duo were arrested on Monday by a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (also known as the Hawks), the Crime Intelligence unit and police officers from Akasia.

“After receiving information, the team worked tirelessly about the whereabouts of more suspects linked to the murder of Phalane,” said Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Wendy Nkabi.

She said information received from the Crime Intelligence unit was operationalised late on Monday, leading the multi-disciplinary team to Soshanguve and Atteridgeville respectively where the two suspects were arrested.

During the arrests, 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,” said Nkabi.

Both suspects are expected to make their first appearance before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

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

Last week, it was reported that there had been a breakthrough in the murder of the little boy after the SAPS confirmed the initial arrest of two suspects.

“The vehicle used during the hijacking incident has been seized. A car-jamming device, a firearm and a stolen vehicle were also found in the suspect’s possession.”

The five-year-old was killed during an incident on May 10 when assailants tried to hijack his father’s vehicle.