Two policemen have been arrested over the murder of a Down Syndrome patient, Nathaniel Julius.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), in a statement on Friday night by spokesperson Ndileka Cola, said the decision was taken based on “careful consideration of the evidence at hand”.
“The pair will be charged with murder and possibly defeating the ends of justice. The two South African Police Service members are attached to the Eldorado Park crime prevention unit.
“Further details regarding the case will only be made available once the pair have appeared in Protea Magistrate’s Court,” said Cola.
Sixteen years old Julius was allegedly shot by a police officer in Eldorado Park on Thursday. The officer later dumped him at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, where he died. His death sparked protests and a clash between residents and the police.
Speaking of the incident, Julius mother, Bridgette, said the officers acted “like they were killing a dog.”
“I went to identify him and to find him in that condition. It was so devastating. It was like they were killing a dog.
“On his chest, it looked muddy with blood and I was told that he was bubbling blood through his mouth and nose.
“My sweet loving boy is gone. Police should be protecting us and we must trust them but when such things happen it cuts deep.”
