The family of Nathaniel “Lokkie” Julies have show their displeasure about the postponement of the case as a tactics to dissolve it. Bridgette Julies, mother of “Lokkie” cried after fourth postponement on Friday after the suspects were arrested at the Protea Glen Magistrate’s Court. The case was rescheduled to December 1st.
The three accused, Netshiongolo, Simon “Scorpion” Ndyalvane and Caylene Whiteboy, face charges for killing the 16-year-old almost three months ago, attached with meddling with the crime scene.
Lokkie, who was living with Down syndrome was shot dead outside the notorious Hillbrow flats in Eldorado.
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The mother and her husband Clint Smith wore matching T-shirts with the words “Justice for Nathaniel” to demonstrate soon after they arrived home from the Protea Glen Magistrate’s Court.
Julies consistently asked: “When are we getting justice. When is this going to end”, in a conversation, with tears streaming down her face.”
“What keeps happening with our case is just shocking. We really feel like the justice system of South Africa is not doing enough to restore faith to its people who already are not confident in it, us included. With every postponement, I lose hope,” she said.
“It’s been three months and these people were supposed to have done their job and be prepared for trial. They have no idea how difficult it is for us to live with this uncertainty daily. The sooner this ends, the sooner we start to heal,” she said, explaining that the pain of losing her son in this cruel manner has caused a hurt that she believes nothing can heal.
“I buried my boy on the day I turned 40 years old, on September 5th. I will never be able to celebrate my birthday normally because it will always remind me of this pain that seems trivial to others,” she said.
Julies also described “I used to wear a size 32 and now I’m down to size 29”, and that home is no longer the same for all of them.
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“Today (Friday) was especially hard for me. I woke up thinking about my boy’s smile and I was convinced that the case will move to the High Court and we can move closer to receiving justice. But here we are again, going around in circles.”
“I am really tired. A decisive example needs to be made with these three so South Africans see that there are good people and those that are bad will be punished. This win needs to happen for everyone, not just us.”
Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesperson Ndileka Cola said “The three accused face serious charges. They are still held in custody and have been denied bail. This is an indication that not just Ipid but the state takes this case very seriously.”
Putting the family at ease, she added: “Ipid would like to urge Nathaniel’s mother to please be patient with the process. Ultimately, the directorate wants to ensure justice for her and the rest of the Eldorado community”.
