Third cop arrested in Julies killing
A third police officer arrested in connection with the murder of Eldorado Park teenager Nateniel Julies has been charged with attempting to conceal the crime.
Detective-Sergeant Forster Netshiongolo, 37, appeared in the Protea Magistrate’s Court in Soweto on charges of defeating the ends of justice, being an accessory after the fact to Julies’s murder and possession of prohibited ammunition.
Netshiongolo was arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate on Monday.
He will join his two co-accused, Scorpion Simon Ndyalvane, 46, and Caylene Whiteboy, 23, who are attached to the Eldorado Park crime prevention unit, in the dock.
Ndyalvane and Whiteboy are facing charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice, discharging a firearm in a public space and being in possession of prohibited ammunition.
The three will appear in court again on Thursday, when they will be expected to apply for bail.
After magistrate David Mhango told Netshiongolo that he was facing charges of murder as an accessory after the fact, possession of unlawful ammunition and defeating the ends of justice, Netshiongolo disputed the charges.
Through his lawyer, Abre Lobster, he said he was charged with defeating the ends of justice and possession of prohibited ammunition.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane cleared up the confusion after the court proceedings.
She said the NPA could amend charges against an accused.
“It is important to understand it is the prerogative of the prosecution to decide on which charges to prefer against an accused person.
“It is also within our right to amend the charge sheet, especially if the accused has not pleaded guilty.
“We can confirm that Netshiongolo is charged with one [count] of murder as an accessory after the fact, unlawful possession of ammunition and defeating the ends of justice,” she said.
Mjonondwane said the accessory charge relates to allegations that he tried to assist in concealing the offence after he was made aware that an offence had been committed.
“All three accused face counts that fall under the ambit of schedule six offences.
“As the state we will be opposing all bail applications by the three accused,” Mjonondwane said.