POLICE are on the lookout for suspects who allegedly shot a 5-year-old child as they were hijacking his father in Soshanguve on Friday, 10 May.
According to Gauteng Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, the child was taken to the hospital, where he was certified dead-on arrival.
"It's reported that the father was arriving home at around 22h30, driving a white Toyota bakkie, when the child went out to welcome him home. An unconfirmed number of armed suspects allegedly hijacked the father of his bakkie and shot the five-year-old boy who later died in hospital," he said.
Masondo said that the lookout is underway for the suspects, and police have opened a case of murder and hijacking for investigation.
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He said that the police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects to please call the nearest police station or call crime stop on 08600 10111.
On the other hand, the family of the dead child said they were devastated. The family spokesman, Gift Makoti, said in a statement that the tragedy had struck their family most unimaginably.
"Ditebogo Phalane was hijacked in Block UU in Soshanguve, and his Toyota Hilux bakkie was stolen. Even more devastatingly, his son Ditebogo Junior lost his life," Gift said.
He said that the family is heartbroken and appealed to anyone with information to come forward to assist the authorities in their investigation.
"We thank the community for their support during this difficult time."
