Why did shooter not first assess the situation?: cleric on Nateniel Julies

Eldorado Park residents picket after a disabled teenager Nateniel Julies was killed allegedly by police
Eldorado Park residents picket after a disabled teenager Nateniel Julies was killed allegedly by police
Image: Antonio Muchave

The fatal shooting of a disabled teenager in Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg, last week is unacceptable, said a cleric who was outside court on Monday ahead of the first appearance of two police officers.

A handful of protesters carrying “#Justice4Nateniel” placards gathered outside the Protea magistrate’s court in Soweto. The parents of 16-year-old Nateniel Julies were not seen at the court.

Julies, who had Down syndrome, was killed in Eldorado Park last Wednesday.

“It is really heartbreaking for me and the church to see  a young boy, suffering from Down syndrome, shot in such a manner. I ask myself: did the [shooter] not first assess the situation before he took out his gun and shot this boy?” said reverend Elliot Jingqi. “This is unacceptable. The family is OK, but the pain will not go away for now.”

Jingqi said Julies was a friendly boy loved by everyone in the community.

Rabia Kitup said the community of Eldorado Park was still reeling from the incident.

“We want to see who shot Nateniel.”

TimesLIVE

16-year-old Nathaniel Julies was shot and killed in Eldorado Park, allegedly by a police officer, on August 26 2020. His family and the community were left devastated. Police minister Bheki Cele paid his respects to the family and addressed the angry community on August 28 2020.


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