Boy (5) killed during Soshanguve hijacking: Case postponed

The court case against the three Soshanguve men accused of murdering five-year-old Ditebogo Junior Phalane (5) was yesterday postponed to December 4.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the postponement allows the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to consider consolidating all charges against the accused, which could affect the legal proceedings and sentencing.

Elia Moeko (36), Ali Sithole (30), and Nido Gumbe (29) formally abandoned their bail applications when they appeared in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court yesterday. They had previously attempted to secure bail but withdrew on May 28, the same day they were initially charged.

Ditebogo was tragically killed on May 10 while running to meet his father, Tebogo, who was being hijacked outside their home in Soshanguve. The boy was shot and died in hospital.

The accused face several serious charges, including murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Additionally, Gumbe, a Mozambican national, is charged with being in South Africa illegally. Sithole and Gumbe are further implicated in separate cases involving illegal firearms and ammunition.

Sithole also faces additional charges of attempted murder and robbery in a pending case at the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court.

Mahanjana reiterated the NPA’s commitment to securing justice for Ditebogo and ensuring accountability for the alleged crimes. “The NPA remains steadfast in its mission to pursue justice. We recognise the gravity of the charges and are dedicated to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their violent actions against our community members.”