SA policemen accused of killing teen appear in court

Scores of people packed into a magistrates’ court in Soweto, South Africa, where two police officers appeared in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies.

The teenager, who had Down’s Syndrome, had gone out to buy biscuits when he was shot dead in Johannesburg’s Eldorado Park suburb last week.

Members of his community chanted outside the courthouse, carrying placards saying: “Justice for Nathaniel”.

The suspects, 46-year-old Simon Ndyalvana and 23-year old Caylene Whiteboy, wore face masks, their heads bowed as media took pictures of them during the brief appearance.

They will be remanded in custody until their next court sitting in early September.

They’ve not yet pleaded.

It’s still early days in this court case and could be years before there’s a ruling. But those investigating the police in this case say they are determined to see that justice is served.

However, this is not the first time South Africa’s police have been accused of using excessive force, with hardly any consequence and many are wondering if things will be different this time.