The four people accused of brutally murdering five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane are expected to appear in court. 

Little five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane was shot and killed in front of his dad in a hijacking in the driveway of their Soshanguve home on 10 May 2024.

Also read: Funeral planned for murdered five-year-old Ditebogo

An unconfirmed number of armed suspects allegedly hijacked the father’s bakkie and shot the five-year-old boy, who later died in hospital. 

Two of the suspects,  aged 29 and 30 years, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court last week. 

Also read: Mayor visits the bereaved family of murdered Ditebogo (5)

The court case was, however, postponed to 30 May for legal representation and further investigation for bail.

Meanwhile, the other two suspects made a brief appearance in court: one at the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court and the other at the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court.

The matter against the two accused is set for 27 May and 28.

According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Wendy Nkabi, after receiving information, the team worked tirelessly to find the whereabouts of more suspects linked to the boy’s murder.

Family spokesperson Gift Makoti said the tragedy had struck their family in the most unimaginable way. 

He said that, as a family, they are heartbroken and appeal to anyone with information to come forward and assist the authorities in their investigation.

Five-year-old Ditebogo Junior was murdered after he became a big brother. 

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

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

Ditebogo was laid to rest two weeks ago. 

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