Three men charged with the murder of Ditebogo Phalane abandon bail

PRETORIA - The three men accused of murdering five-year-old Ditebogo Junior Phalane in a hijacking in Soshanguve have abandoned bail in the Pretoria North Magistrate's Court.

The men appeared in connection with the murder on Tuesday after weeks of uncertainty around their arrests.

Phalane was shot while welcoming his father home earlier this month.

READ: Three men charged with murder of five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane

All three of the men have been charged with murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The third accused, a Mozambican national, has also been charged for being in the country illegally.

One of the accused, Alie Sithole, was out on bail for several matters when he allegedly committed robbery and murder that claimed the life of the five-year-old.

The two other accused, Elia Maeko and Nido Gumbo, were also charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition this month, charges separate to Phalane's murder.

During their appearance, Legal Aid lawyer, Thulani Kekana, said all three men would not be applying for bail.

"We have provisionally abandoned bail. If this matter can be postponed for instructions so that we can properly consult with my clients regarding bail," Kekana said.

Kekana said he may bring an application for bail at a later stage.