Cape Town - The 17-year-old suspect is expected to make his first court appearance today after he was arrested for the murder of 16-year-old Deveney Nel of Grabouw.
The boy was arrested by detectives from the Serious Violent Crimes unit on Friday, just before midnight. It was revealed that he lives in a neighbouring town.
Nel disappeared on the day that her school hosted a sports day, nearly two weeks ago. Her body was found hours after she was reported missing by her mother, when she did not arrive for her transport home from Hoërskool Overberg in Caledon.
It is believed the Grade 10 learner was stabbed to death and her body dumped in the school’s storeroom.
A source previously said Nel’s hair ribbon and cellphone were found on the back of a bakkie of a man who works close to the school.
It is believed both pieces of evidence were thrown onto the bakkie where it was later found by the man, and handed over to the police.
While the name of the suspect is known, it cannot be made public as he is a minor. However, it is believed the suspect and Nel had known each other for years.
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the incident was an isolated one.
“In terms of our safe schools statistics, they have not reported any safety incidents in the past five years, which also includes no reports of crime or burglary and vandalism.”
She added: “The school has on-site security (prior to the incident), paid for by the school.”
Hammond said the department would continue to support the school and learners by providing the necessary counselling.
“The fear experienced by the learners is natural. This was a horrific incident.
“The school has always maintained and complied with strict health and safety guidelines and procedures as set out by the WCED Safe Schools sub-directorate.”
She said schools were not obligated to have security cameras. “It is an additional security measure paid for by the school. While we would encourage schools to implement as many practical and affordable security measures as possible, it must also be recognised that these measures come at a cost to the school, and are not always affordable or practical in implementation.”
Education MEC David Maynier again asked the media and public to give the family, school, and community the privacy to grieve.
Police oversight and community safety MEC Anroux Marais requested the community to allow the court case to unfold, so that justice can be done. She urged anyone with information to contact the police urgently.
Provincial police commissioner Thembisile Patekile applauded the breakthrough.
“We will spare no resources to get to the perpetrators of crime. Gender-based violence and femicide are a priority for the SAPS,” he said.
The Western Cape Provincial Community Policing board urged the public to report any information that could aid the investigation.
“By working together, we can ensure that our schools remain safe havens for our children and that justice is served for this tragic incident,” spokesperson Justin Kumlehn said.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za