Accused in Pretoria boy’s (5) slaying return to court in December
The trio accused of the murder of Ditebogo Junior Phalane are facing multiple serious charges which include robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The court case against the three Soshanguve men accused of the murder of five-year-old Ditebogo Junior Phalane has been postponed to December 4.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the postponement primarily allows the DPP to decide on the potential consolidation of all the charges against the accused, which could impact 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 on September 5.
They had previous 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 succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
The accused face multiple serious charges, including murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
In addition, Gumbe, a Mozambican national, is also charged with being in South Africa illegally.
Sithole and Gumbe are further implicated in separate cases involving illegal firearms and ammunition.
Sithole faces additional charges of attempted murder and robbery in a pending case at the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court.
Mahanjana emphasised the NPA’s commitment to securing justice for Ditebogo Phalane 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.”
ALSO READ: Two more arrested for the brutal murder of five-year-old Ditebogo
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