Ditebogo’s death still feels like a movie: Family

May 13, 2024 239

The family of five-year-old Ditebogo Junior Phalane say his passing still feels like a movie.

The young boy, who has been described as a cheerful soul, was shot during a hijacking incident outside his home in Soshanguve on Friday.

Family spokesperson, Gift Makoti, says Phalane came running out of the house to welcome his father who was arriving home, when he was met with his demise.

“By that time, the hijackers had already pointed a gun at the father and one of the hijackers on the left-hand side of the vehicle started shooting and one of the shots hit the five-year-old.”

Makoti says the father did not resist with the vehicle, a Toyota Hilux Bakkie and it was still taken by the hijackers.

He says the little boy’s parents are not coping.

“We do have some hallucinations of the boy coming out of the house to play with the other kids, but with the realisation that it’s happening and it’s true and we are in it, we are not watching an interview on TV; we are not reading about it, it’s a bad feeling that leaves a bitter taste in everybody’s mouth, considering that he was so young.”

Makoti says any bit of information on the suspects will bring hope to the Phalane family.

He also lamented the rampant crime in Soshanguve that’s seen some of the country’s DJs, among others, killed. The latest of the high-profile deaths in the area was that of Comedian, DJ and MC, Peter Mabuse, known as Mashata.

Many residents in the township have as a result lost hope in winning the battle against crime in the area.

Police in Gauteng have launched a massive manhunt for the suspects linked to the minor’s killing.

Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo says a case of murder and hijacking has been opened.

Several political figures have conveyed their deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

These include the likes of PA leader, Gayton McKenzie, who is offering a R250 000 reward for anyone with information on the suspects and the EFF’s Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi who says they will pressure police to speed up investigations.

The death of the five-year-old has captured the hearts of many South Africans who are calling for justice for the little boy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with The Phalane family, who experienced a devastating loss on May 11, 2024, when Ditebogo Phalane was hijacked in Soshanguve Block UU. Tragically, his 5-year-old son, Ditebogo Junior, was fatally shot during the incident. Wishing you strength and… pic.twitter.com/o8ddcYzuJC

— Dr Collen Mashawana (@collenmashawane) May 12, 2024

The crimnals who murdered 5-year-old Ditebogo Phalane during a hijacking must be brought to book justice must prevail 💔 pic.twitter.com/csRy9unezB

— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) May 12, 2024

There is nothing more evil than taking aimed at a united happy family for your evil, personal interests.

There’s a special place in hell for the cockroaches who robbed that sweet 5 year old boy from it loving family.

Remember the name of Ditebogo Junior Phalane. pic.twitter.com/BNxXyRHdZ2

— Levi 🇨🇩 (@UBGK12) May 13, 2024

Ditebogo Junior Phalane (5) was not killed by hijackers, he was shot dead by our government, he was killed by South Africans who have folded their hands, this boy here was killed by my inactions, the bullet that killed him came from SAPS Ditebogo blood is in yo hands South Africa pic.twitter.com/Yi4nMNRix7

— Freeman Bhengu ✍🏾 (@zibuseman) May 12, 2024

My heart goes out to the Phalane family during this unbearable loss. May your little one’s memory be a blessing, and may you find strength in the days ahead. I hope Ditebogo finds justice. #JusticeForDitebogoJr pic.twitter.com/FSNFwS4WiF

— MZulu wa Limpopo (@KabeloMohlah02) May 11, 2024

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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