Johannesburg – Police have arrested two suspects for the fatal shooting of five-year-old, Ditebogo Junior Phalane, during the hijacking of his father’s vehicle in Soshanguve.
The bubbly little boy was struck by a bullet as ran to welcome his father at the gate of their home last week on Friday.
The wounded child was rushed to Botshilong Hospital, where he was certified dead upon arrival.
Briefing the media on Thursday, police Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni said two suspects were arrested this week.
He said police recovered two guns from the suspects and they were still searching for a third suspect.
The hijacked vehicle belonging to Ditebogo Phalane remains missing.
Lieutenant-General Mthombeni said the suspects were arrested in two locations in Soshanguve, Tshwane.
“In one location, we found a suspect not too far from the crime scene, and we arrested the second suspect in possession of an unlicensed firearm,” Lieutenant-General Mthombeni said.
One of the recovered firearms has been linked to a car hijacking committed in 2023 in Akasia.
Lieutenant-General Mthombeni said the police went to a third location to look for another suspect, but they did not find him there.
He said this location the police found a vehicle reportedly stolen in Mabopane.
Police believe the recovered vehicle was used during the shooting of the five-year-old boy.
Lieutenant-General Mthombeni said police were still looking for the third suspect.
Earlier in the week Gauteng Premier Panyanza Lesufi and Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the grieving family and promised swift action regarding the arrest of the murderous hijackers.
Leaders of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also visited the family.
Commenting on the arrest on Thursday the EFF said in a statement: “We applaud everyone involved in the investigation that led to these arrests.
“Such cruel and senseless acts of violence must never go unpunished.
“We hope this arrest will provide some clarity and aid in the quest for justice by the family and the entire community.”
