Murder accused ‘forced to reconstruct statement’

THE TRIAL of three police officers accused of the murder of 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies resumed yesterday at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Julies, who lived with Down’s syndrome, was gunned down near his home in Eldorado Park as he returned from a local store, having bought biscuits – his favourite treat.

The three officers accused of his murder, Cayleen Whiteboy, Simon “Scorpion” Ndyalvane and Voster Nesthiongolo, all face charges of murder, possession of illegal ammunition and defeating the ends of justice.

It is alleged that accused no 1 fired the fatal shot at Julies on command of accused no 1, Ndyalvane who transported the boy to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital where he was declared dead. The officers have pleaded not guilty to these chargers.

Accused no 3, Netshiongolo, took to the stand and testified that he was forced by an investigating officer from Ipid to make a statement different from his truth. He said he was told if he did not make the statement according to what the investigating officer requested, he would then be charged with murder.

“I was told to write the statement according to what the officer told me. They said if I did not do it this way they would deny my bail application,” said Netshiongolo.

It is believed the accused planted ammunition at the scene after Julies was shot, intending to make it look as if Julies had died in a crossfire between gang members and the police. The matter is to resume today.