RIP: Murdered 5-year-old Soshanguve boy, Ditebogo Phalane laid to rest

A day after two people were arrested in connection with his death, five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane will be laid to rest on Friday.

The funeral service is currently taking place in Soshanguve, Pretoria.

The top brass of the South African Police Service (SAPS) are in attendance, including National Police Minister Bheki Cele, who is also expected to speak at the funeral.

Phalane was killed on the evening of May 10, as he ran out to greet his father, in what police say was a botched hijacking.

The incident took place in Soshanguve.

Following the shooting incident, Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said that according to information, an unconfirmed number of armed suspects allegedly hijacked the father’s Toyota bakkie and shot the boy, who later died in hospital.

On Thursday, police arrested two suspects.

They said the vehicle used during the hijacking incident has been seized.

“A car jamming device, a firearm, and a stolen vehicle was also found in the suspect’s possession.”

In a heart-warming obituary, Phalane has been described as a bright and loving light in the lives of all who knew him.

His teachers described him as a child who was always ready for a challenge, inquisitive and someone who stood up for what he believed it.

They said Phalane enjoyed music and dancing.

He is survived by his parents and two siblings.

Police said the suspects will appear in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Friday.