Court hears ‘dysfunctional police system’ to blame for Julies’ death
The Protea Magistrate’s Court heard on Wednesday that the country’s dysfunctional police system must take the blame for the loss of Nathaniel Julius’ life.
Police officer Caylene Whiteboy, along with her colleagues Simon 'Scorpion' Ndyalvana and Voster Netshiongolo, appeared court for a bail hearing on Wednesday.
Whiteboy and Ndyalvana face four charges including premeditated murder, defeating the ends of justice, discharging a firearm in public and possession of illegal ammunition.
Netshiongolo face charges of defeating the ends of justice and accessory to murder.
It earlier emerged in court that Ndyalvana has two prior convictions for assault and one for malicious damage to property.
Jeff Maluleke, for Caylene Whiteboy, accused the court of sensationalising Nathaniel Julies’ murder.
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He believes the blame for the death does not fall on his client.
"Your worship, I will deliberately not comment on the statement of Ms Harris (Julies’ mother).She's feeling pain, she's emotional.
"An innocent life was lost unnecessary but, where does the blame lie? The blame at the dysfunctionality of the police system.”
Maluleke said his client faced threats from drug lords since she started working in Eldorado Park.
"From the moment she took employment as a constable she has reported 45 incidents of intimidation from the local drug lords.
"There has no been a report back of these incidents."
The state opposed the bail application saying the three accused know at least three witnesses involved, and their release could cause a public outcry.
The matter was remanded to 28 September for judgment.