BY: Jubilant Cheyeza Baloyi
TV personality and club DJ has offered to pay for the tombstone of a five year old boy who was murdered during a hijacking outside his home in Soshanguve, Pretoria. Ditebogo Juniour Phalane had gone outside the house to welcome his father who had just arrived home just after 10pm on Friday night when hijackers pounced on them.
On Saturday, the fathers cousin and family spokesperson, Gift Makoti wrote on Twitter also known as X that the family needs help to get the boy a tombstone. After the post, Lamiez took to her social media page and declared that she will buy a tombstone for Ditebogo Jr.
“I have no words. My heart breaks, not only as a mother, but someone who is proudly Pretorian, this can’t be our norm. Ka hana (I refuse). I’d like to pay for Ditebogo Jr’s tombstone,” she wrote on X.
Ditebogo Jr’s father is currently fighting for his life in hospital. The Phalane family has since asked to be given privacy as they mourn their child. “It has struck out family in the most unimaginable way. On 11 May 2024, Ditebogo Phalane was hijacked in Soshanguve in Block UU and his Toyota Hilux bakkie was stolen. Even more devastatingly, his son Ditebogo Juniour was shot during the incident and tragically lost his life. We are heartbroken and appeal 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. Please note that this is a tragic and sensitive matter, and the statement should issue with care and respect for the family’s privacy and grief,” the message in a statement.
Internet users have expressed their gratitude to Lamiez donating tombstone to Ditebogo Junior. Mpho Kekana said “Thank you Lamiez Holworthy for always being loving and being humble dear, almighty continue to bless you.” Another one wrote “Condolences to the family, DJ Lamiez Holworthy may the Lord shower you with more and more blessings upon you and your family.”
In the meantime no arrests have been made. Police said they are on the lookout for suspects and urge anyone with information to assist in the investigation. “We are actively pursuing the suspects, having opened a case of murder and hijacking for investigation,” said police spokesperson Luiet .Colonel Mavela.
