Third cop bust for murder

A third cop has been arrested in connection with the murder of Down Syndrome teen Nathaniel Julies.

Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Ndileka Cola said the third suspect was arrested on Tuesday afternoon.

“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate [on Tuesday] arrested the third suspect linked into the Nathaniel Julies murder on charges of defeating the ends of justice and being in possession of prohibited ammunition,” Cola said.

“The detective is also from Eldorado Park South African Police Service.

“He is set to appear before the Protea Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 3 September. Ipid continues to investigate this matter.”

The initial two officers accused of murdering the 16-year-old Eldos teen - Sergeant Simon Ndyalvane and Constable Caylene Whiteboy - appeared briefly at the Protea Magistrates’ Court in Soweto on Monday.

Julies, who was born with Down Syndrome, was allegedly shot by police last week.

Residents say his body was dumped at the Chris Baragwanath Hospital where he later died.

President Cyril Ramaphosa last week offered his condolences to the boy’s family.

He said the violent death of any young person was a matter of concern.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and neighbours of Nathaniel who has, as a 16-year-old, been deprived of a future and whose tragic death has given rise to anger and unrest in a community that deserves better,” Ramaphosa said.

The death of the boy sparked running battles between police and residents in Eldorado Park this week after angry community members accused police of shooting the boy.

Taking to the streets to vent their frustrations over the shooting, they threw stones and petrol bombs at the cops and officers of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).

African News Agency