Two months after the brutal murders of Phineas ‘Daphin’ Futhane and his nephew Neo Mogomotsi, who were ambushed and fatally shot while inside an Audi near a KFC in Alexandra, the family is still struggling to come to terms with their loss and continues to search for answers.

The circumstances around the murders are still under investigation.

According to the victim’s relative, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, the family has been waiting for updates from the police regarding the killings in the early hours of March 29.

Read more: Police probe discovery of an unidentified body in Alexandra

Their murders have been linked to the recent case of Kabelo Dikobe, who was allegedly kidnapped just hours after the murders. Futhane’s cousin, David Ndala, is currently facing charges in relation to Dikobe’s kidnapping.

He still remains missing at the time of publication.

“Our biggest concern is that the police seem more focused on the kidnapping case rather than the murder cases. Even today, we are still waiting for them to show us the CCTV footage,” the relative claimed, adding that they have not received any update on whether suspects have been identified or arrested.

“This has affected us deeply. It feels like the murders never existed; the only case that exists is the kidnapping.”

Alex News can confirm that a docket was opened following the murder of Mogomotsi and Futhane. Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane confirmed that police are investigating the case.

Responding to the family’s concerns about the silence, he said the relatives were welcome to reach out to the investigating officer whenever they needed updates.

Also read: Police open murder docket after son allegedly kills stepfather

Ngubane confirmed that there was a link between the double murder and the kidnapping incident. This was also revealed in court during Ndala’s bail hearing on May 5.

According to state prosecutor, Lufuno Maphiri, Ndala learned that Dikobe was allegedly a possible suspect in the murders.

Later that day, Ndala and three other suspects, who remain at large, allegedly went to Joe’s Corner Tavern in Alexandra where they kidnapped him. It remains unclear how Ndala discovered this information.

Maphiri told the court that eyewitnesses saw Ndala and his alleged accomplices with Dikobe before he disappeared.

Ndala eventually handed himself over to the police. His defence lawyer confirmed this during the bail hearing, which was denied.

Also read: Police continue fight against Alexandra hijackings

The lawyer rejected the state’s allegations that Dikobe was kidnapped, suggesting he may have gone into hiding because of the murder allegations against him. He added that the state’s case rested on untested claims. Ndala has not been convicted of any crime.

Meanwhile, Dikobe’s family denies he had any involvement in the murders. His father, Thabo Ngoetjana, said they wanted Ndala to reveal his son’s whereabouts.

Futhane and Mogomotsi’s family also wish for closure and urged the police to give equal attention to the murder case.

“We want closure, just as Kabelo’s friends and family want closure about his disappearance. As much as they deserve answers, we also deserve answers about the deaths of Daphin and Neo,” the relative said.

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