Johannesburg - The mother of the slain Eldorado Park teenager, Nathaniel Julies, says “it feels like a piece of my heart is missing,” a year after her son’s fatal shooting.
Bridgette Harris said that, as preparations for the commemoration of the first anniversary of her son’s death were under way, memories of the day he was killed lingered in her memory.
Nathaniel, 16, who lived with Down syndrome, was shot dead on August 26 last year, a few metres from his home. According to Harris, Nathaniel had left their home to buy biscuits from a spaza shop next door. Due to his disorder, he was drawn to the bright blue lights of a police van parked across the road.
Nathaniel approached the vehicle and was shot by a police officer.
He was then taken to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where he died. His death sparked violent protests.
“They have taken my son away from me. There’s nothing that can be done to bring him back. We miss him every day. Nathaniel was harmless. He couldn’t hurt a fly. The manner in which he was killed was undeserving and selfish,” said Harris.
Since the passing of her son, Harris said his sisters’ academic performance at school had declined, and they could not deal with the sadness his death had caused, resulting in them becoming angry and constantly fighting among each other.
She added that the passing of her father, Nathaniel’s grandfather, who loved him dearly, had been weighing heavy on the family as well.
The three Eldorado Park police officers who have been accused of killing Nathaniel are Caylene Whiteboy, Simon Scorpion Ndyalvane, and Foster Netshiongolo. Ndyalvane and Whiteboy are accused of premeditated murder, defeating the ends of justice, possession of illegal ammunition, and firing a gun in public.
Netshiongolo is charged with accessory after the fact to murder and defeating the ends of justice. He was granted bail based on new evidence in the Protea Magistrate’s Court in November last year. New reports confirm that Ndyalvane and Whiteboy have been released on R1 000 bail.
“I cannot understand why perpetrators are granted bail. Justice needs to be served to those who have done wrong,” Harris said.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba will lead the commemoration, and Mashaba and the family will unveil a memorial in honour of Nathaniel. The party also provides legal support to Harris and her family. The trial is expected to begin on September 4.
The Star