Police Minister, Bheki Cele, says the police are searching for at least two more suspects, including an undocumented foreign national, in connection with the murder of Ditebogo Phalane.
The Minister spoke on the sidelines of protests in Soshanguve, calling for an end to violent crime in the community.
Residents protested a lack of police visibility and corruption in the SAPS, which they believe contributes to high crime in the area.
Five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane was shot outside his home in a suspected hijacking incident earlier this month, while welcoming his father home.
Four men, including a Mozambican national, have been arrested following the toddler’s fatal shooting.
A 29-year-old man and his co-accused, aged 30, made their first appearance in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court yesterday, facing charges of possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.
However, NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana stated that the accused have not yet been positively linked to the toddler’s murder, as an ID parade and further investigations are still underway.
“We are still waiting for the ballistic report to determine if the firearm is linked to the murder of the five-year-old,” Mahanjana said.
It emerged in court that one of the suspects had been out on bail for attempted murder and robbery charges at the time of Ditebogo’s killing, leaving some Soshanguve residents questioning whether the justice system is doing enough to protect communities.
Minister Cele believes correctional officers and law enforcement must work together to ensure those accused of violent crimes stay out of communities. Written by Naomi Kobbie
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