Two additional suspects arrested on Monday in connection with the murder of Ditebogo Phalane Jnr (5) made their first appearance at the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court today. Ditebogo Junior was hit by a bullet during his father's hijacking when he ran out of the house to welcome his father home almost two weeks ago.

NO MURDER CHARGES

The court did not allow the media and the public in the court gallery, closing off the proceedings and stating that more investigations, including an identity parade, need to be conducted first. Four suspects in total were arrested in connection with the murder with the first two caught a day before the little boy's burial. The other two suspects, a Mozambican national and a South African, were arrested on Monday. All four suspects have not been charged with Ditebogo's murder. NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that all the four suspects have been charged with two counts of possession of prohibited firearms and a count of possession of ammunition. Mahanjana said during the last two suspects' appearance today, accused number 2 disclosed to the court that he has a pending case at Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates' Court where he is due to appear on 28 June. He is facing charges of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.  

PENDING BALLISTIC TESTS

Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, said one of the firearms seized from the suspect's during arrest is alleged to be the murder weapon used in the murder of Ditebogo Junior but that will be confirmed once the firearms return from ballistic testing. Mogale said one of the suspects is believed to have been out on bail for alleged hijacking, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearm. Ditebogo Junior has been described as a bright and loving light in the lives of all who knew him. He was buried last week Friday. The matter was postponed to 30 May 2024 while the first two suspects will be back in court on 27 and 28 May 2024.