KZN Down Syndrome Association on Nathaniel Julies murder: 'Educate and sensitise' police
The KZN Down Syndrome Association says all sectors of society have an important role to play in protecting the rights of children with disabilities and special needs.
Acting Chair, Elaine Pieterse says education is crucial.
"Metro police, SAPS, nurses, fireman - all these people need to be educated on all persons with disability, to create awareness and training needs to be done.
"Sensitise these people, especially with police that are trained to use force. They need to learn the characteristics of people with disabilities."
The shooting of 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies, allegedly by police in Eldorado Park last week, prompted outpourings of grief and anger with South Africans demanding justice for the child.
Julius had Down Syndrome.
Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) says a third cop's been arrested in connection with the teen's murder.
The detective's due in court on Thursday. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are not clear at this stage.
Calls for more protection for children with the genetic disorder were made during a National Down Syndrome meeting on Monday.
Pieterse, who's mum to a four-year-old child with Down Syndrome, says Julius' murder made her concerned for her own son's safety.
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