5-year-old boy fatally shot during father’s hijacking incident
Tragedy struck in Soshanguve, Gauteng, South Africa, as Ditebogo Junior, a five-year-old boy, lost his life in a heartbreaking incident. The young child was fatally shot outside their home while welcoming his father, Ditebogo Phalane, who had just fallen victim to a hijacking.
According to Lt-Col Mavela Masondo, the police spokesperson, the incident occurred when armed suspects hijacked Phalane’s White Toyota bakkie. Amidst the chaos, little Ditebogo Junior came out to greet his father and was tragically caught in the crossfire.
“An unconfirmed number of armed suspects allegedly hijacked the father’s White Toyota bakkie and shot the five-year-old boy who later died in hospital,” Masondo explained.
Phalane’s cousin, Gift Makoti, took to social media to share the devastating news, expressing disbelief and anguish over the loss of the innocent child. He lamented the senseless violence that claimed the life of his cousin’s son and shared fond memories of the bond between father and son.
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“He and his son had a strong bond. His son was always out and about with him, keeping him company. I don’t know how he is going to live without his son,” Makoti shared, reflecting the profound grief of the family.
As the community reels from this tragic loss, authorities are urged to take swift action to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
