Nathaniel Julies was laid to rest on Saturday, September 5, after allegedly being shot by police officers from Eldorado Park SAPS. Family, friends, the community of Eldorado Park, Toekomsrus, Ennerdale, Westbury, Lenasia, Riverlea, just to name a few, all attended the funeral to show their support to the family as well as pay their last respects to the sixteen-year-old.
Despite breaking lockdown rules of social distancing, and having more than fifty attendees at the funeral, there was more control of the number of people in the church and at the cemetery.
Julies’ body arrived at his home before 8 am, where residents already filled the streets, holding banners, singing, and showing their support.
His white and gold coffin was then open for viewing to the immediate family in a tent in the street.
[also read] – DSI saddened to hear of the fatal shooting of Nathaniel Julies
Residents also wanted to be part of the viewing but due to time constraints, this could not be possible. Julies’ funeral service was then held at Mount Carmel Ministries where people walked in front of the hearse, singing.
There were non-profit organisations, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members, bikers, and leaders all making way for Nathaniel Julies to arrive at the church.
A social worker at the Don Mattera School where Julies attended said, “Nathaniel was a very loving, warm, gentle, polite, and lovable child.”
Residents of Eldorado Park sing in front of the area where 16-year-old #NathanielJulies was shot pic.twitter.com/jeMThST7Fw
— Soweto Urban (@SowetoUrban) September 5, 2020
She also added that if one switched on the music, you could see a different Nathaniel because he loved to dance. The social worker said that he was not quiet, or a withdrawn person and he had a lot of confidence.
Felicity Collens, a family friend said “My heart is so sore because we are going to miss Nathaniel. He had Down syndrome, could the police not see that? What happened here was very wrong. The police were not blind. It’s so hearting sore, we have to just let the will of the Lord be done with this matter. I stand here as a mother, grandmother, and as a woman, I am very sad. Today, we will lay Nathaniel to rest.”
Ward Councillor Peter Rafferty was also at the funeral and said, “It is just an overwhelming feeling; residents came in their numbers to support. Unfortunately, with the Covid-19 regulations, only fifty people are allowed in the church. We just want to see that Nathaniel gets buried with dignity.
We are amazed by all the support here today, for me personally, I feel that this is a well send off for Nathaniel.” Julies was then laid to rest at the Klipspruit West Cemetery at the Heroes Acre.
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