Illegal Mozambican national part of the three men arrested for the murder of Ditebogo Phalane
Three men from Soshanguve South, Elia Moeko (36), Ali Sithole (30), and Nido Gumbe (29), have abandoned their bail application and will remain in custody until 27 August.
The trio is accused of shooting and killing a 5-year-old boy, Ditebogo Phalane, during a robbery on 10 May 2024, where they allegedly stole a vehicle from the boy’s father, Tebogo Phalane.
They are charged with murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Additionally, Nido Gumbe, a Mozambican national, faces a charge of being in the country illegally.
The Directorate of Priority Crime Detection, led by Major General Khumalo, investigated the case and arrested the suspects at Pretoria Moot Police Station on 23 May 2024, where they were already held for unrelated charges.
In court, the three disclosed their pending cases. Elia Moeko has a pending case for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Ali Sithole has pending cases at Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates’ Court for possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, attempted murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances, with a court appearance scheduled for 28 June 2024. Sithole also has another pending case at Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
Similarly, Nido Gumbe has a pending case at Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.