Thousands demand justice for Nathaniel Julies in online petition

More than 120,000 people have signed an online petition to demand justice for 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies, who was allegedly shot dead by police in Eldorado Park on Wednesday last week.

Julies had Down syndrome.

Hazel Waydene, who started the petition last Thursday, wrote that Julies was “shot for no reason”, and alleged the police did not give a true account of the events which led to his death.

“When the police shot him, the boy fell under a truck. The cop pulled him out from under the truck, threw him in the back of the van and went to drop him at a hospital, and told the doctors he was involved in a gang fight, which is not true,” wrote Hazel.

Supporters of the petition called on government to tighten its laws and end police brutality.

“People should not get away with this cruelty. The world won't change if these type of things continue,” wrote Eunice Cruz.

LISTEN TO WHAT COMMUNITY MEMBERS FROM ELDORADO PARK HAD TO SAY:

Kaylah Morris wrote: “Police brutality is a problem, especially when it comes to showing empathy and patience with those who are disabled.”

Two police officers were arrested on Friday in connection with Julies' murder. They were expected to appear in  the Protea magistrate's court on Monday. 

Spokesperson for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), Ndileka Cola, said the arrests followed “careful consideration” of the evidence given to investigators. She said the officers would be charged with murder, and also possibly defeating the ends of justice.

Gauteng premier David Makhura said Julies was caught in crossfire between a gang and police action, but community members said he was shot after allegedly failing to answer questions from police.

Police minister Bheki Cele was met by angry protesters when he visited Julies' family on Friday. He said the relationship between communities and police must be restored. 

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