South Africa: violent protests after death of teenager in Eldorado Park

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Violent protests took place on Thursday in the Métis township of Eldorado Park, southwest of Johannesburg. Anger erupted over the death last night of Nathaniel Julius, a 16 year old boy with Down's syndrome. He was allegedly killed by law enforcement while on patrol. Police have not yet given more details on the circumstances of his death. Residents attacked a police station in protest, which resulted in clashes.

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With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Claire Bargelès

The main road is blocked by the remains of burnt tires. All day long, stone throws faced rubber bullets.

Majiet Amien, one of the representatives of the community, understands the anger of the demonstrators. “  A child was killed last night, a child who was disabled, that's what makes us most angry ,” he says. And the policeman who shot him is well known in our community. That's why you see everyone rising up over this affair.  "

Nathaniel Julius, 16, died in hospital. According to his family, he had gone out to buy cookies on Wednesday evening August 26. The police allegedly shot him while on patrol when he was unable to answer questions.

Odile does not want the affair to go unpunished. "  I'm shocked and we have to fight this stuff, and apparently this wouldn't be the first time the police haven't been prosecuted after the death of an innocent man, " she says. Normally we should be afraid of the gangsters, but now we should be afraid of those who are supposed to protect us. So how do we do it ? We are simply asking for justice.  "

For Kyle, it is important that his Métis community is also recognized as a victim of police violence affecting the country. “  We, the Métis neighborhoods, have been neglected ,” he says. Because often we keep silent. If they can do that to this young man, what are they going to do to us ? Will they have the right to shoot us like that ? No, we have to put an end to all this today.  "

At least three police officers and several demonstrators were injured. Authorities are calling on residents to let the investigation by IPID, the South African Police Police, take its course.

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