Ditebogo Phalane: Seeing the accused in the dock as comforting as it is painful, says family

JOHANNESBURG - The family of slain five-year-old Ditebogo Junior Phalane is still deeply distraught following his senseless murder.

Members of the family attended the first court appearance of the three men charged with his murder on Tuesday.

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The trio has also been charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances for the hijacking that claimed the child’s life.

Ditebogo Junior was shot at the gate of his home in Soshanguve while he was welcoming his father home earlier in May.

Family spokesperson Gift Makoti said the family is comforted by seeing the accused in the dock.

“I must say that it definitely does feel much better than not knowing anything and not hearing anything. 

The investigating officer, the office of the minister, and the commissioner have been updating us on all the details of the case. They have been very proactive.”

But he said seeing the accused has caused mixed emotions.

“The funeral was two weeks ago. At this stage, we are trying to just keep calm, and we have to come to court. 

“Unfortunately, you have to try to contain your emotions, but I can tell you now the family is in deep distress. They miss their son dearly and I don’t think that feeling will go away any time soon.”