Update: September 11, 2020, @ 11:30
Three police officers accused of killing Nathaniel Julies made a brief appearance at the Protea Magistrate’s Court on September, 10. The matter was postponed to September 22 for a formal bail application.
Simon Scorpion Ndyalivana, Caylene Whiteboy, and Voster Netshiongolo are facing charges of murder, discharging a firearm in public, possession of ammunition, and defeating the course of justice.
Residents of Eldorado Park came out in their numbers to support the family and filled up Court Number Ten calling for no bail for all the accused. The family of Julies including his mother was also at the court.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindile Sigasa said, “The matter has been postponed to September 22 at the request of the defense team as they were not ready to proceed with their bail application.”
She added that the state had to agree to the postponement so that they can prevent a fragmented bail application.
Apart from the defense team getting ready for the formal bail application, the court was still to review an application for a copy of the statement of an arrest made by accused number one Ndyalivana.
In terms of Section 335 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the accused has a right to a copy of the statement they made during their arrest.
Sigasa could not be drawn to commenting on the strength of the state’s case against then tree accused.
She said, “The strength of the state’s case is tested in the court of law. Ours is to prepare for the case by putting all relevant evidence before the court and the court will make that determination.”
16-year-old Nathaniel Julies was killed last month allegedly at the hands of police officers from the Eldorado Park SAPS. His death sparked a national outcry with residents calling for the overhaul of the whole police force in the area.
Update: September 2, 2020, @ 09:37
Independent Police Investigative Directorate(IPID) arrested the third suspect linked to the Nataniel Julies murder on charges of defeating the ends of justice & being in possession of prohibited ammunition.
The detective is also from Eldorado Park South African Police Services. He is set to appear before the Protea Magistrates Court on Thursday the 3 September 2020.
September 1, 2020, @ 08:31
The police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is continuing with the investigation into the murder of Nathaniel Julies while two police officers fingered in the killing remain in the dock.
The two members of the Eldorado Park Crime Prevention Unit made a brief appearance at the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges of murder, possession of prohibited ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice. The case was then postponed to September 10 when they will be backcourt again.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Phindi Louw, one of the accused did not have legal representation hence the matter was postponed for the 10th.
In terms of how strong the case is against the two accused, Louw said the docket has made it through the first stage and passed the prima facie test.
[also read] – “Whoever committed the crime will face the law, it doesn’t matter who that person is,” – Bheki Cele
“From here on we will be preparing our case as the state and once all that is done, we will be placing all the evidence before the court. The court is the right forum to decide on the strength of the state’s case after hearing all evidence from both parties,” said Louw.
She added that as the NPA they are not at liberty to divulge every detail that will form part of the court case.
Residents of Eldorado Park came out in numbers to attend the court case and show their support to the family of Julies. His uncle Cyril Brown thanked the community for the support and said he was glad that the suspects have been arrested but still feels emotional about the whole ordeal.
Scorpion Ndyalvane(56) and Caylene Whiteboy(23) made their first appearance in court for the murder of Nathaniel Julies#JusticeforNathanielJulies pic.twitter.com/YsaNfZ9Plm
— Soweto Urban (@SowetoUrban) August 31, 2020
“It’s a very emotional day for us as you can imagine, seeing the perpetrators appearing in court for the first time. Realising that one of the accused is a lady really hurt me inside. I didn’t expect that someone of our race can do something like this at home and even try to cover up,” said Brown.
He went on to express his confidence in the justice system and said he is happy with the proceedings thus far. Member of Parliament Kenny Motsamai was amongst the people who made an appearance to show support to the community and the family.
Nathaniel's uncle Cyril Brown and Rev Larry Varie addressing the media about the case and today's proceedings. pic.twitter.com/gm3pqTPOPE
— Soweto Urban (@SowetoUrban) August 31, 2020
Julies(16) who had Down syndrome was gunned down on Wednesday night last week. His killing angered residents of Eldorado Park and sparked outrage across the country.
In response, residents took to the streets in a protest calling for the overhaul of the whole police force in the area.
They also accused the police of taking bribes from criminals and failing to protect them as their community.
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