A teen’s family is asking for justice after he was fatally shot by police officers in the Eldorado Park section of Johannesburg.
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16-year-old Nathaniel Julius passed away in a hospital on Wednesday night, hours after he was shot in the chest by police officers a few feet away from his home. His family says the officers fatally shot the teen after he was unable to answer their questions due to his condition and witnesses stated he was holding a biscuit when the shooting occurred. However, authorities claim Julius was struck by a stray bullet during a shootout between officers and gang members.
As reported by Al Jazeera, witnesses also claimed he was thrown into a van after the shooting and transported to a local hospital. After the public received news about his death, local residents retaliated toward police officers by throwing rocks and other items.
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Government official Faith Mazibuko said in a statement that the case is currently being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. The officers who were involved in the shooting have been placed on leave as more protests emerged in the neighborhood on Thursday.
The teen’s story has sent a global outcry as the community asks for justice and answers. Solange wrote in a tweet,“Rest in peace young Nathaniel Julius. Happy Birthday beautiful Toyin. We are still fighting for you Breonna. There’s such a limit to these words, but we will never forget you. What is justice with all of this loss & pain.”
A policeman shot and killed a 16-year-old boy who had Down Syndrome. The community wants justice for #NathanielJulius. https://t.co/lxDJwbbBWB
— I Yield My Time (@NicsDVdR) August 27, 2020
Rest in peace young Nathaniel Julius. Happy Birthday beautiful Toyin. We are still fighting for you Breonna. There’s such a limit to these words, but we will never forget you. What is justice with all of this loss & pain.
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) August 27, 2020
Meet Brigadier Pieter van Dyk. Station Commander at #eldoradoPark station. He is the alleged source of corruption at the station and responsible for the death of #NathanielJulius.
Do not forget his name, do not forget his face. #JusticeforNathanielJulius pic.twitter.com/NAw61aFjUR
— Josh Dylan (@iamjoshdylan) August 27, 2020