Funeral planned for murdered five-year-old Ditebogo
The family of five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane, who was murdered in Soshanguve, has made his funeral arrangements.
Five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane, who was murdered in Soshanguve, will be laid to rest on Friday.
According to the family spokesperson Gift Makoti said the family appreciates the community’s support and invited them to join the family.
“The family appreciates the community’s support and invites you to join us as we bid farewell to our beloved Ditebogo Junior.”
Here are the details of his funeral and his memorial:
Wednesday, 15 May:
- Memorial at Soshanguve, Free Reformed Church, 378 Rantsoe Street, Block UU
- Time: 10:00
Thursday, 16 May: Flower drop-off at 15:00
Friday, 17 May:
- Funeral service at 08:00 at Kopanong Hall (next to the KT Motubatse Clinic.)
- Departure from the family home at 07:00. Those wishing to accompany the convoy to the hall from the family are welcome.
- Burial will take place at the Soshanguve Crossing Cemetery after the funeral service.
🙏🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/PRxolgM9ct
— Gift Makoti (@Gift_Makoti_) May 14, 2024
Minister of Police Bheki Cele said additional resources have been brought in to assist the investigation.
Cele visited the Phalane family before he later held a crime prevention imbizo in the community of Jukulyn and promised to get to the bottom of rampant crime in the area, especially killings.
“I wonder if the day we find them they will be able to explain why they did it. I really wonder if they understand what they have done,” Cele said.
Cele said that they have enlisted the help of other agencies, who will bring their technology to assist the investigating team.
“It would not be wise now to say who are those…We are trying to amass every other kind of capability,” he added.
Earlier this week, Tshwane Mayor Cllr Cilliers Brink and Solly Msimanga also paid a visit to the family.
Cilliers expressed a message of condolences on behalf of the City.
Meanwhile, Lamiez Holworthy has pledged to assist the family with a tombstone for Ditebogo.
On Sunday, Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie said he is offering an R250 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible for the tragic murder of five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane.
The young boy’s life was tragically ended in Soshanguve, Tshwane, on Friday, 10 May, during a violent hijacking incident involving his father.
The family of Ditebogo is heartbroken.
Family spokesperson Gift Makoti said the tragedy had struck their family in the most unimaginable way.
Also read: Mayor visits the bereaved family of murdered Ditebogo (5)
“Ditebogo 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 said as a family they are heartbroken and appeal to anyone with information to come forward to assist the authorities in their investigation.
Five-year-old Ditebogo Junior just became a big brother the past week.
“They just welcomed their third child this week, a baby girl.
“We thank the community for their support during this difficult time.”
Police said on Saturday afternoon that no arrests had been made yet.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the hijacking happened around 22:00.
“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.”
Masondo said an unconfirmed number of armed suspects allegedly hijacked the father of his bakkie and shot the five-year-old boy who later died in hospital.
“The boy was taken to hospital, where he was certified dead on arrival.”
Police are on the lookout for suspects.
“The lookout is underway for the suspects, and police have opened a case of murder and hijacking for investigation.”
Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects to please call the nearest police station or call crime stop on 08600 10111.
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