A five-year-old boy named Ditebogo Junior Phalane was shot and killed by armed robbers during a hijacking incident.
The young boy had a close bond with his father and would eagerly run outside their Soshanguve home every time he heard the sound of his father’s bakkie. However, on that fateful Friday evening, his excitement turned into tragedy.
According to family spokesperson Gift Makoti, Ditebogo Junior ran outside to welcome his father home, only to be met with the cold-blooded violence of armed suspects hijacking their white Toyota Hilux bakkie.
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His father rushed him to the nearest hospital, hoping for help, but the boy was pronounced dead upon arrival. The news of Ditebogo Junior’s passing was shared by Makoti in a series of heart-wrenching posts on social media.
He posted images of the happy young boy with his father and family, highlighting the strong bond they shared. Makoti expressed the father’s inconsolable grief, stating that he doesn’t know how he will live without his son.
It is evident that Ditebogo Junior and his father had a special relationship. They were always together, and the boy brought joy and companionship to his father’s life.
Makoti revealed that the family had recently welcomed a baby sister, and they had celebrated with a “nappy braai” just a week before the tragic incident.
Makoti revealed that this was not the first time the family had been targeted by criminals. A few months ago, they experienced a burglary at their home, where the wheels of their bakkie were stolen.
Makoti believes that the perpetrators were familiar with the father’s patterns, as he split his time between Soshanguve and Polokwane due to work commitments.
He explained that the father would come home on Thursdays or Fridays, and the criminals likely knew about his return. This tragic incident raises concerns about the prevalence of crime in Soshanguve and the need for increased security measures.
The family spokesperson shared that Ditebogo Junior and his father did everything together.
The father had started a business this year, involving picking up potatoes from a nearby farm and selling them in townships. The young boy was an integral part of this venture, accompanying his father to find customers and make deliveries.
Every time Ditebogo Junior heard the engine running, he would eagerly run to the car, ready to join his father in their daily activities. Their bond was incredibly close, and they shared countless precious moments.
The tragic news of Ditebogo Junior’s death has sparked widespread outcry on social media, with many expressing their outrage at the high levels of crime in South Africa.
Makoti acknowledged that crime is rife in Soshanguve, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the issue and ensure the safety of communities.
As the family mourns the loss of their beloved son, the nation reflects on the devastating impact of crime and the importance of creating a safer environment for all.
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