Three men appeared in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in connection with the tragic hijacking and murder of five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane Jr. The accused, Elia Maeko (36) from Mphagani village in Giyani, Ali Sithole (30), and Nido Gumbe (29), are facing charges related to the fatal hijacking of a Toyota Hilux in Soshanguve, which resulted in the untimely death of young Ditebogo on May 10, 2024.
The heartbreaking incident unfolded outside the Phalane family home in Soshanguve when Ditebogo, excitedly greeting his father who had just returned in his Toyota Hilux, became the unintended victim of a violent carjacking. Armed hijackers targeted the vehicle in broad daylight, and during the ensuing chaos, young Ditebogo was fatally shot. Despite his father’s desperate efforts to rush him to a nearby hospital, the child was tragically pronounced dead on arrival.
The case has deeply shaken the community of Soshanguve, with many residents expressing their grief and calling for justice on social media. Ditebogo’s death has highlighted the alarming rise in violent crime, particularly hijackings, in South Africa, and has sparked renewed calls for authorities to take stronger action to curb such incidents.
During today’s hearing, the court proceedings were postponed to February 25, 2025, to allow time for further investigation. Authorities are still in the process of consolidating additional charges against Maeko and continuing their efforts to download and analyze cellphone data from all three accused.
The investigation is crucial to providing a clearer picture of the events surrounding the hijacking and the roles each accused played in the crime.
Maeko, who has previously abandoned bail applications twice, intends to reapply for bail following the completion of the investigation. The court will consider his application at a later date.
The case has also drawn attention to the growing problem of hijackings and violent crime in South Africa, particularly in urban areas like Soshanguve. Residents have voiced concerns over the safety of their communities, urging authorities to take more decisive steps to address these issues.
The Phalane family, still reeling from the devastating loss of their young son, has expressed their hope for justice and accountability in the case. The court’s decision in the coming months will be a crucial moment for the family, the community, and for South Africa as a whole in the ongoing battle against violent crime.
As the investigation continues and the case moves forward, the community of Soshanguve remains united in their demand for justice for Ditebogo Phalane Jr.
