Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie is offering an R250 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the people responsible for the tragic murder of five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane.

The young boy was shot in Soshanguve in Tshwane on Friday when his father was hijacked.

Ditebogo’s family is heartbroken.

Family spokesperson Gift Makoti says the tragedy has struck their family in the most unimaginable way.

“Ditebogo (the boy’s father) was hijacked in Soshanguve Block UU and his Toyota Hilux bakkie was stolen. Even more devastatingly, his 5-year-old son Ditebogo Junior was shot during the incident and tragically lost his life.”

He says the family appeals to anyone with information to come forward to assist the authorities in their investigation.

Ditebogo Junior had just become a big brother.

“They just welcomed their third child this week, a baby girl.

“We thank the community for their support during this difficult time,” says Makoti.

No arrests have been made.

“It is reported that the father was arriving home at approximately 22:30, driving a white Toyota bakkie, when the child went out to welcome him home,” says police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo.

Masondo says an unconfirmed number of armed robbers hijacked the father and shot the boy, who later died in hospital.

Police are investigating and appeal to anyone with information to call their nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.