The three men accused of the murder of five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane have once again abandoned their bail applications. Elia Maeko (36), Ali Sithole (30), and Nido Gumbi (29) appeared in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where prosecutor Tumelo Letaoana confirmed that the state would oppose any bail requests.
The trio faces schedule six charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances after Phalane was shot and killed outside his family’s home in Soshanguve in May while his father was being hijacked. Additionally, Gumbi, a Mozambican national, faces a charge of being illegally in South Africa.
Ongoing Investigation
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said investigations are continuing. The case has been postponed to December 4, 2024, to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider consolidating all charges against the accused. Mahanjana emphasized the NPA’s commitment to ensuring justice in this case, given the severity of the crimes involved.
Pending Charges
The accused face additional charges in other ongoing cases. Maeko is being prosecuted separately in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Sithole and Gumbi also face charges in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition. Sithole is further implicated in another case at the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court, where he faces charges of possession of a firearm, ammunition, attempted murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Safety Concerns
During the court proceedings, defense attorney Thulani Kekana revealed that the families of the accused had received threatening messages, raising concerns for their safety if the men were released. Kekana noted that the accused decided to abandon their bail applications due to fears that their release could disturb public order. The men had previously abandoned their bail applications in May, disclosing their pending charges at the time.
Ditebogo Phalane was laid to rest in Soshanguve on May 17, 2023, a week after his tragic murder.