Police doing everything possible to catch suspects after five-year-old boy is murdered
A boy was shot and killed in front of his dad in a hijacking on Friday evening.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said police are trying by all means to catch the criminals who shot and killed a five-year-old in front of his dad last week.
Cele made this remark on Tuesday, May 14, when he visited the home of Ditebogo Phalane who was shot in front of his dad in a hijacking incident in Soshanguve Block UU on the evening of Friday, May 10.
The tragic incident happened around 22:00 when Ditebogo’s father was driving home in a white Toyota bakkie. Ditebogo went out to welcome him home, however armed suspects ambushed the family and hijacked the father of his bakkie.
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The boy was shot and later succumbed in hospital.
The senseless shooting and killing of the boy and a series of criminal activities have left the community of Soshanguve and surrounding areas in fear, prompting the minister to visit.
Cele said the suspects, when caught, must give a full explanation of why they shot an innocent child.
“I wonder if they understand what they have done, wherever they are.
“We’ve tried to give extra resources to the investigating team and we have roped in other agencies on this matter.
“The police are trying by all means to catch these criminals,” said Cele.
He mentioned that it has been too long since the community of Soshanguve was terrorised by young criminals.
“The criminals are yet to feel the heat because the police are here to stay, this community must sleep peacefully in the next 48 hours.
“It cannot be that every time we are here there is no change after that, people must be able to walk freely and not turn their houses into prisons,” said Cele.
Police commissioner General Fannie Masemola, who accompanied Cele also gave a detailed briefing on crime patterns in the area.
Masemola announced urgent policing interventions to combat the escalating violent crimes.
Police are appealing to anyone who might have information or can assist in the apprehension of the suspects to call their nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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