Family, friends lay slain Ditebogo Junior Phalane to rest

JOHANNESBURG - The family of Ditebogo Junior Phalane gathered in Soshanguve’s Kopang Hall on Friday to bid farewell to the five-year-old boy. 

He was killed during a hijacking outside his home a week ago when four armed men hijacked his father outside their home in Soshanguve. 

Police Minister Bheki Cele and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola were among the dignitaries present. 

READ: Police boost resources in Soshanguve while family mourns death of Ditebogo Phalane

Police nabbed two suspects on Wednesday, recovering two unlicensed firearms as well as the keys to a Toyota Hilux which was taken during the hijacking. 

Given the jurisdiction of their arrests, they were set to make their first appearance separately in different courts. 

One accused will appear in the Soshanguve Magistrates Court, while his co-accused will appear in the Pretoria North Magistrates Court. 

Police continue their hunt for at least two more suspects. 

'STOP PROTECTING CRIMINALS'

Speaking at the funeral, the family representative of the Phalane’s, Gift Makoti, said residents should stop protecting criminals.

"We keep saying police are not doing their job, but we are not helping them do their jobs. We stand with them at the car washes and they soft launch the latest trends while we praise them. Today, they have taken one of our own. This young boy was robbed of his whole life ahead of him because of crime."