Video: Nathaniel Julies’ alleged killers denied bail as court fears unrest
'The community demands answers [as to] why an innocent and an unarmed teenager was shot and killed [by police]. Their release will disturb public peace and public order policing,' the court ruled.
Nathaniel Julie’s mother (centre left, with yellow mask) speaks to media, 28 September 2020, after the trial of his three alleged killers was postponed to 6 November 2020, at Protea Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg. Picture: Nigel Sibanda
Three police officers accused of killing 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies outside his Eldorado Park home last month have been denied bail by the Protea Magistrate’s Court.
On Monday, Magistrate David Mhango said releasing Sergeant Simon Scorpion Ndyalvane, 46, and his co-accused Constable Caylene Whiteboy, 23, and Sergeant Foster Netshiongolo, 37, would cause more unrest among Eldorado Park residents, who demanded justice.
Nathaniel’s parents and grandfather said they were satisfied with the decision, and were looking forward to the case going forward and seeing justice done.
Nathaniel’s mother Bridget Harris says she feels relieved after her son’s alleged killers were denied bail.
His grandfather James Julies added: “It’s painful, but justice must take its course.”
The teen’s father Mark Harris too welcomed the verdict#NathanielJulies #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/Q3rLjU28ba
— Maageketla Mohlabe (@MaageMohlabe) September 28, 2020
“If released on bail, there is [the] likelihood they will interfere with investigations. There is a likelihood they will interfere and intimidate State witnesses. They know who the witnesses are in this matter.
“Some witnesses were present in the police vehicle when the deceased was shot and killed. The State’s case against the accused is very strong. If convicted, life imprisonment could be imposed against the accused.
“There is [the] likelihood that Ndyalvane would carry [out] his threats against Whiteboy. Whiteboy will be safe from Ndyalvane if she is kept in prison. [The] community is angry because of the conduct of the accused.
“The community demands answers [as to] why an innocent and an unarmed teenager was shot and killed [by police]. Their release will disturb public peace and public order policing. This is demonstrated by the level of anger in the community,” said Mhango.
The case was postponed to 6 November.
(Compiled by Carina Koen)
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