Follow-up: 17-year-old arrested in the Deveney Nel death by Ronelle Snyders

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

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 Caledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Nel, a Grade 10 pupil at Overberg High School in Caledon, Western Cape, was found in a storeroom on the school premises last week.

Police spokesperson
Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the arrest came after an extensive investigation into Nel’s death by detectives of serious and violent crimes.

“We will spare no resources to get to the perpetrators of crime. Gender-based violence and femicide are a priority for the South African Police Service. That is why we welcome this arrest,” said Lt General Thembisile Patekile.

Nel goes missing
An ordinary Wednesday turned to horror for the Nel family earlier this month when Deveney failed to come home with her usual transport after the school’s netball and rugby teams finished playing matches against Bredasdorp High School.

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

Police found her body on the school’s premises, leading to the school’s closure Thursday for investigation. Parents of the school were informed of her tragic death at around 23:00 last Wednesday.

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

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

The letter also said the officer allegedly denied local ambulance services access to the victim, causing a delay in declaring the victim dead.

Police in the Western Cape Assurance
Anroux Marais, Minister of Police Review and Community Safety for the Western Cape, assured the public that the investigation was in the best hands. She said at the time that they could not get into the contents of the investigation. But they followed up on strong leads.

“I realise that this is not the easiest thing given the horrible 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, this is especially important now that the police are given the space to do their job 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 organised social workers and counsellors for pupils.

“We’ve always been a close-knit family at school, the Ovie family that stands out from other schools because we care about each other. So, at this shocking time, I ask that you don’t live in fear.”

source:Follow-up: 17-year-old arrested in the Deveney Nel death – People’s Power News (volkskrag.co.za)