17-year-old arrested in the Deveney Nel death

A 17-year-old suspect was arrested on Friday in connection with the death of 16-year-old Deveney Nel.

He is expected to appear in the Caledon Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 August 2024.

Nel, a grade 10 student at Overberg High School in Caledon, Western Cape, was found in a storeroom on the school grounds last week.

Breakthrough

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the arrest came after an extensive investigation into Nel’s death by Serious and Violent Crimes detectives.

“We will spare no resources in getting to the perpetrators of crime. Gender-based violence and femicide are a priority for the South African Police Service. Hence, we welcome this arrest “says, Lt General Thembisile Patekile.

Nel goes missing

A normal Wednesday was turned into horror for the Nel family earlier this month when Deveney failed to get her transport after the school’s netball and rugby teams had finished playing matches against Bredasdorp High School.

Her mother, Lida Nel went to report her missing at Caledon police station and then was sent back to the police station in Grabouw.

The police found her body on the school’s premises, which led to the school’s closure on Thursday for investigation. Parents of the school were informed about her tragic death at around 11 pm last Wednesday.

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Police investigation

Heinrich Wyngaard, Executive Chairman of the civil organisation Cape Forum said they were worried about how the crime scene was handled.

In a letter, Wyngaard listed one of the Forum’s concerns as a senior officer of the Overberg district command unit apparently took control of the crime scene before the local police could investigate, and apparently despite the presence of the local station commander.

It was also said in the letter that the officer allegedly refused the local ambulance services access to the victim, which caused a delay in pronouncing the victim dead.

Police in Western Cape’s assurance

Anroux Marais, Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety for the Western Cape, gave assurance to the public that the investigation was in the best hands. At the time, she said they could not get into the contents of the investigation. But they were following up on strong leads.

“I realise that it’s not the easiest thing in light of the horrific nature of the events, the wide, honest and understandable upset in the community and especially the family, and the necessity of law and justice.

“However, it’s especially important now that the police are given the space to be able to do their work so that the perpetrator can be caught and successfully prosecuted.”

Extra security at the school

Principal Johan Jacobs confirmed that the school had added extra security.

The department also arranged social workers and counsellors for pupils.

“We have always been a close family at school, the Ovie family that stands out from other schools because we care for one another. So, in this shocking time, I ask that you not live in fear.”