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- Prohibited ammunition could have been used to kill 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies in front of his home on August 26.
- NPA regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the accused officers allegedly used ammunition that is no longer permitted under the law.
- Police officers Simon Scorpion Ndyalvane, 46, and Caylene Whiteboy, 26, will remain in custody.
The two arrested officers may have used prohibited ammunition to kill Nathaniel Julies, it emerged Monday.
Julies was killed outside his Eldorado Park home on August 26, allegedly by police officers Simon Scorpion Ndyalvane, 46, and Caylene Whiteboy, 26.
The couple appeared in Protea Magistrates Court on Monday after their arrests last week.
Ndyalvane and Whiteboy were charged with murder, possession of prohibited ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, and shooting a firearm in public.
Regional spokesperson for the National Tax Authority (NPA) Phindi Mjonondwane said the defendants used ammunition that is no longer allowed under the law.
“The ammunition used on the occasion was banned in 2006, if I’m not mistaken,” Mjonondwane said.
He added that officers allegedly tried to dismiss evidence.
SEE | EFF, cops fight outside court during appearance of alleged murderers of Nathaniel Julies
The State intended to oppose the bail of the two agents due to the nature of the crimes.
“The defendants will have to download evidence of exceptional circumstances to be granted bail,” Mjonondwane said.
Ndyalvane and Whiteboy appeared after noon in the crowded courtroom under heavy police presence.
The two, who were wearing masks, also covered themselves, to prevent cameras from capturing their faces.
Magistrate David Mhango explained to the two officers that they were facing List 6 charges and advised them to seek legal representation.
Mhango warned the couple that, if convicted, they could face life in prison.
IPID spokeswoman Ndileka Cola previously confirmed that the two officers were attached to the Eldorado Park crime prevention unit.
Shot to death
Julies, 16, who had Down syndrome, was shot and killed Wednesday night, sparking a riot on the streets of Eldorado Park.
On Friday, Police Minister Bheki Cele and Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko, along with officials from the South African Human Rights Commission, visited the teenager’s family.
Later, they told an irate crowd of locals that “whoever committed the crime will have to face the law, no matter who that person is.”
Julies’ grandfather, James, claimed that his grandson had done nothing wrong and was alone when he was shot point-blank, before being dragged into the police van.
It also alleged that Nathaniel drowned while being dragged into the vehicle.
In addition, he claimed that the police had not helped the grieving family after Nathaniel’s death, as they had struggled to receive a case number.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who offered his condolences to the angry family and community, said the violent death of any young man was concerning.
The agents will remain in custody until their next appearance on September 10, when they may request bail.
