By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) commonly known as Hawks have arrested two more suspects for the murder of five-year-old Ditebogo Junior Phalane.
The suspects, aged 29 and 30, were arrested by the Hawks’ Pretoria-based (TOMS) team together with the Akasia Crime Prevention Unit and Tshwane District (CI) on Monday, 20 May.
Hawks spokesperson Wendy Nkabi says the two suspects, aged 29 and 30 years old, were arrested in Soshanguve and Atteridgeville respectively on Monday.
“The two suspects were arrested and 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.”
Both suspects will make their first appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
“One of the suspects is believed to have been out on bail for alleged hijacking, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearm”
To date, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder.
The five-year-old was killed during the hijacking incident on May 10 when assailants tried to hijack his father’s vehicle.
In the wake of this senseless act of violence, the Phalane family and the Soshanguve community grapple with the incomprehensible grief of a young life lost to crime.
Phalane was laid to rest last week, the emotional funeral service unfolded at the Kopanong Hall in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria.
His Soshanguve parents penned a poignant letter of farewell to their son in which they expressed their love and gratitude for the honour of being part of his live.