A year later, Bridget Harris, the mother of slain 16-year-old Nateniël Julies from Eldorado Park, is still reeling from his death and says there is no end in sight for her pain.
Speaking to News24 on Thursday, the anniversary of his murder, she said the slow pace of the justice system was frustrating and contributing to her family’s struggle for closure.
Julies, who lived with Down syndrome, was shot outside his home in Eldorado Park and allegedly dumped at Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital by police, where he later died, News24 reported.
Residents and leaders gathered at the scene, where the teenager was shot, to unveil a memorial stone in his honour.
The gathering was attended by the leader of Action SA, Herman Mashaba.
During his remarks at the gathering, Mashaba apologised to the family that justice had not prevailed for their son’s death, a year on.
“I am sorry that the criminal justice system’s processes grind so slowly. You may, legitimately, feel that you are being denied justice – that he is being denied justice. The action we have seen so far is unacceptable,” Mashaba said.
Family
Harris said the memorial was comforting and strengthened her family. She said the event was emotional and took her back to the day her son was shot.
“It feels a little bit comforting to know there is support and I am not alone,” she said.
But her healing is far from over, because the case is still in court.
She said:
She was referring to Sergeant Simon Scorpion Ndyalvane, 46, who stands accused of murder, along with fellow Eldorado Park officers, Constable Caylene Whiteboy, 23, and Sergeant Voster Netshiongolo, 37.
The mother said she missed taking her son to school, seeing him smiling and dancing.
“His happiness was my happiness, and that has been taken away from me,” she said.
Although nothing would bring back her son, harsh punishments to those responsible would at least give her hope and comfort, she added.
Harris said, if there was no justice for Nateniël, then it would mean that what happened to him was regarded as normal and not untoward.
She called on the government to do more in support of her distressed family.
The mother said her father, Nateniël’s grandfather, had died of a broken heart in May, without seeing justice prevail.
Harris said:
“We need more support for us to get closure. We don’t have closure and I don’t think we will get it anytime soon.”
News24 previously reported that pre-trial proceedings were underway.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, the matter was set for trial from 4 to 29 October in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
news24.com
