The two police officers arrested in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Nathaniel Julius from Eldorado Park in Johannesburg, have been denied bail.
The officers appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder, possession of prohibited ammunition and possibly defeating the ends of justice on Monday, August 31. The case has been postponed to September 10 for further investigation, reports SABC News. The suspects will remain in custody.
Julius, who had Down syndrome, was shot dead by officers on Wednesday, August 26 for allegedly not following officers’ instructions.
Julius was buying biscuits from a tuck shop when the incident unfolded on Wednesday. Police officers had allegedly become frustrated with his responses to their questions. After the shooting, he was allegedly taken to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, and died there.
His death sparked massive outrage throughout the country. Residents took to the streets in protest, and a social media movement has been started to demand justice for the teen.
An online petition calling for justice to be served currently has 125 868 signatures, almost reaching its 150 000 goal.
Picture: Twitter