three cops convicted over nathaniel julies murder
Constable Caylene Whiteboy fired the fatal shot, while two other officers planted evidence.
Three police officers have been convicted in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Palm Ridge for the August 2020 murder of 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg. Constable Caylene Whiteboy was found guilty of murder and defeating the ends of justice for firing the fatal shot. Sergeant Simon Ndyalvane was convicted of murder, unlawful possession of ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, and perjury. Detective Voster Netshiongolo was found guilty of unlawful possession of ammunition and perjury but acquitted of being an accessory after the fact.
The court heard that Whiteboy claimed she believed her firearm was loaded with rubber bullets when she shot Julies, who had Down syndrome, after he left his home for a tuckshop during Covid-19 lockdown. Evidence presented by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that Netshiongolo, with Ndyalvane's assistance, planted ammunition and fabricated a story that Julies was caught in a crossfire. Julies was pronounced dead at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
The officers remain on bail pending pre-sentencing proceedings scheduled for November 11. NPA regional spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole stated that the convictions represent an important step towards accountability and reaffirm that no one is above the law. The NPA hopes the conclusion of the trial will provide some measure of closure for the Julies family.
Why it mattersThree police officers were convicted for the murder of Nathaniel Julies, a 16-year-old boy with Down syndrome.