On Monday, 20 May 2024, the Hawks’ Pretoria-based team, in collaboration with the Akasia Crime Prevention Unit and Tshwane District Crime Intelligence, arrested two men aged 29 and 30 in connection with the murder of Ditebogo Phalane.
Ditebogo Phalane murder: Two more suspects arrested
The suspects were apprehended in Soshanguve and Atteridgeville, respectively, following a tip-off from Crime Intelligence.
During the arrests, two unlicensed firearms were recovered, one of which is believed to be the murder weapon used in the fatal shooting of Phalane.
The firearms will undergo further testing to confirm their involvement in the crime.
One of the suspects had been out on bail for alleged hijacking, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The suspects are expected to make their first appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 22 May 2024.
Ditebogo Phalane was laid to rest at the Soshanguve Crossing cemetery on Friday, 17 May 2024, with a large turnout of mourners.
High-profile politicians, including Police Minister Bheki Cele, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink, visited the grieving family, pledging their support and vowing to address the rampant crime in the area.
Phalane Junior was killed on Friday, 10 May 2024, during a hijacking in Block UU, Soshanguve.
The incident occurred when a group of men ambushed Ditebogo and his father.
The attackers forcibly took their vehicle and, in the process, fatally injured the young boy.