Nathaniel Julies: Case against third police officer postponed

A third police officer, who was arrested in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies in Eldorado Park appeared in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Thursday morning 3 September. The case was subsequently postponed until 10 September 2020.

The third police officer was arrested by Ipid on Tuesday 1 September.  

THIRD POLICE OFFICER RECEIVES REVISED CHARGES 

Following the court appearance on Thursday morning, there are revised charges against the accused Sergeant Vorster Netshiongolo. 

Netshiongolo, a detective attached to Eldorado Park SAPS was charged with the following: 

• Defeating the ends of justice; and
• Accessory after the fact (Murder) 

An accessory after the fact is someone who after the completion of a crime unlawfully and intentionally associated himself or herself with the commission of the crime by helping the perpetrator or accomplice to evade justice.

The accused has been remanded in custody for legal representation and will appear in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on 10 September 2020.

The first two police officers from Eldorado Park made their first appearance in court on Monday 31 August. Following their brief appearance, the case was postponed until 10 September 2020 as one of the suspects were not able to provide details of legal representation. Gauteng NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana said the pair would remain in custody until their next court appearance.  

MURDER OF NATHANIEL JULIES SPARKS UNREST 

Julies was allegedly shot and killed by police not too far from his house in Eldorado Park. Julies, who was down syndrome, reacted to police sirens and got excited. It’s alleged that police then shot him. 

According to the family, the police officers then took him to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The next day on Thursday 27 August, angry community members, demanding justice for Julies, took to the streets in protest. A violent clash between civilians and police broke out as a result. Journalists also accused police of threatening them during the protests.

Nathaniel’s mother Bridgette Julies, in an interview with SABC News, said they would never be able to hear his voice again. 

“As I’m sitting here now, I wish he could just run through the door and say he wants a cup of tea. I don’t know what to feel anymore, we had so many plans for Nathaniel,” she said.  

“I’m really heartbroken because something has been taken away from me,” she added.