Gauteng Premier David Makhura released a statement saying that Nathaniel Julius was killed in the crossfire of a shoot-out between the SA police and a gang in Eldorado Park on Wednesday.

According to Makhura the incident happened after police received a tip-off about stolen car parts in the area.

“The boy who was disabled was allegedly caught in the crossfire between a gang and the SA Police Service on Wednesday.”

“I am very disturbed about the events that led to the passing of an innocent boy,” Makhura said.

STATEMENT BY PREMIER DAVID MAKHURA ON THE KILLING OF NATHANIEL JULIUS FROM ELDORADO PARK pic.twitter.com/Chgofe2Z8F

— David Makhura (@David_Makhura) August 27, 2020

His death sparked outrage and led to clashes with the police in Eldorado Park on Thursday.

Chaotic scenes emerged as members of the community hurled stones and burning tyres while the police replied with rubber bullets.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) confirmed that a probe has been launched into the death of Julius.

His murder has caused an outcry across South Africa with twitter accounts calling for #JusticeforNathanielJulius.

He was 16 years old.
He was a son, brother…
He had Downs Syndrome.
He was a boy from Eldorado Park.
He was unarmed, holding a biscuit in his hand.
A boy who had the right to live and be free.
He mattered. He had a name – NATHANIEL JULIUS.#JusticeforNathanielJulius 💔 pic.twitter.com/T0D9mqtjFT

— Liesl Laurie (@LieslLaurie) August 28, 2020