Cops set to appear for murder of Eldorado Park teen Natheniël Julies

The Eldorado Park community is expected to come out in their numbers at the Protea magistrate’s court near Soweto on Monday as two police officers, accused of shooting dead an unarmed teenage boy, are set to make their first appearance.

Sixteen-year-old Natheniël Julies, who had Down syndrome, was killed in Eldorado Park last Wednesday when, according to reports, he allegedly failed to respond to police questioning.

His family said he was at a tuck shop buying biscuits.

Members of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) arrested the two officers on Friday following outrage from community members who went on a rampage and clashed with police. Several people were injured and houses were damaged when community members threw rocks and police fired rubber bullets. 

Ipid said it had charged the pair with murder and possession of prohibited ammunition. Directorate spokesperson Ndileka Cola said charges of defeating the ends of justice could possibly be added.