Third SA policeman arrested over teen's murder

A third police officer has been arrested in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies near his home Johannesburg's Eldorado Park neighbourhood.

The teenager, who had Down’s Syndrome, had gone out to buy biscuits when he was shot on 26 August.

Two other officers appeared in court in connection with his death earlier this week and were charged with four counts, including premeditated murder.

On Thursday, their colleague made a brief appearance in court, where he was charged with defeating the ends of justice, among others.

Investigators allege that he “unlawfully and intentionally after the murder of the child, assisted the accused cops to escape liability/evade justice”.

He is yet to plead and will be remanded in custody until 10 September.

It is still not clear why the police opened fire on that day but Nathaniel’s family and community believe the police acted recklessly and are demanding justice for his death.

This is not the first time South Africa's police have been accused of using excessive force. At least one person dies in South Africa as a result of police action every day, according to a report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.