IT has been three years since Nateniel Julies was killed.
He was shot and killed during a protest in Eldorado Park, south of Joburg in 2020.
Nteniel, who was 16 at the time and lived in Eldorado Park, used to live with Down syndrome. He was allegedly shot by police on 26 August 2020, just a few metres away from his home.
His mother, Bridgette Harris, said the case was draining the family.
“We're upset. It seems we are not getting closer because the case has been going on for too long.
“We're not satisfied with how things are going in the courtroom,” said Bridgette.
She said she hopes and prays the state will consider finalising this case because it's taking a toll on their family.
“We never got closure as a family. Probably, the case has been postponed because one of the accused lawyers is sick.
Bridgette Harris says she misses her late son's amazing smile. Video by Happy Mnguni @dailysun pic.twitter.com/6xpHt4UZ4g
— happy mnguni (@happy_mnguni) February 21, 2024
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“As a mother, whenever I get to court, it’s hard for me. He was 16 years old, and his death has affected me and his siblings. Some of my kids are not even doing well at school or home. It’s not the same anymore without him," she said.
The mother said she misses her son’s smile and caring.
“I'll never forget his amazing smile. Without him in our lives, we can’t cope,” said Bridgette.
The three former Eldorado Park police officers, Constable Caylene Whiteboy, Sergeant Simon Ndyalvane, and Detective-Sergeant Voster Netshiongolo, will appear in the Joburg High Court Sitting in Palm Ridge on Thursday, 22 February.
On Monday, 19 February, the trio appeared shortly in court, and the matter was postponed after the lawyer of Simon Ndyalvane did not arrive in court, citing illness.
Ndyalvane’s lawyer, Thabo Moepo, didn't arrive in court and sent a WhatsApp message to the state prosecutor Johan Badenhorst, which was read in court.
Moepo cited ill health and the need to see a doctor.
He requested a month’s postponement to attend to his health challenges.
Judge Cassim Moosa postponed the matter to Thursday, 22 February, and requested that Moepo be informed through an email that he should come to court with a medical note.
