Nathaniel Julies’ murder accused consider state admissions

Lawyers for the police officers accused of murdering 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies are considering admissions with the state as the trial is set to get underway.

Cayleen Witbooi, Simons Scorpion Ndyalvane and Voster Netshiongolo are being tried for the 2020 murder of Julies who had Down’s Syndrome.

The officers also face charges of defeating the ends of justice as well as being in possession of prohibited ammunition.

The trial had to re-start after the death of Judge Ramarumo Monama who was presiding over the matter.

The three police officers were meant to plead again – this time before Judge Cassim Moosa before the trial starts again. But on Wednesday the court heard how Judge Moosa is off sick and will not be able to attend to this matter and others on his court roll.

The lawyers have agreed to postpone this matter to the 8th of next month.

In the interim – they are meeting to discuss possible admissions.

The trial had already made significant progress with 23 witnesses already heard when judge Monama died.

Depending on the outcome of the talks between the state and the defence – all of those witnesses may have to return to the stand.

The trial is set to begin on the 3rd of October.

Nathaniel Julies case: Officer granted bail

One of three police officers accused in the Nathaniel Julies murder case has been granted bail.

The teenager, who had Down syndrome, was shot dead in Eldorado Park in August. Two other officers are charged with his murder.

Voster Netshiongolo is charged with hiding evidence and thereby defeating the ends of justice.

Netshiongolo told the court that he had been suspended from the Eldorado Park police station and would, therefore, not tamper with evidence.

Julies’ mother Bridget Harris says that this was not the outcome they hoped for.

“My boy has been taken from me, there’s been nothing taken from them,” she said.