The 17-year-old suspect in the murder of Grade 10 pupil Deveney Nel returned to the Caledon Magistrate’s Court today.
Story Summary:
- The 17-year-old suspect in the murder of Deveney Nel appeared briefly in court.
- The case has been postponed to 16 October for further investigation.
- The NPA confirmed the suspect will be tried as a minor, citing legal restrictions.
- Investigators are analysing the suspect’s cellphone and computer for forensic evidence.
Deveney Nel latest news: Here’s what happened in court today
The brief hearing focused on procedural matters and was postponed to 16 October to allow more time for investigations.
The suspect remains in a place of safety after waiving his right to apply for bail.
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Outside the court, a protest was held by Caledon residents, who demanded that the suspect be tried as an adult, citing the severity of the crime.
“We were calling for the accused to be placed in a juvenile facility and not a place of safety. We also want the accused to be tried as an adult,” said community activist Tanya Bippert, who submitted a memorandum signed by over 1,000 people.
The community is still grappling with the brutal killing of Deveney Nel, whose body was found in a school storeroom after she went missing during a sports day.
The suspect, who is reportedly known to the victim, allegedly assisted in the search for Deveney before his arrest.
NPA prohibited by law from trying suspect as adult
Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed today that the 17-year-old suspect will be tried as a minor, as required by South African law.
“The law is clear that the accused has the right to be tried as a juvenile,” Ntabazalila said.
Under the Child Justice Act, individuals under 18 are prosecuted as minors, even in serious cases, which means the juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
In response to questions about the suspect’s past, particularly the 2021 rape case involving a minor, Ntabazalila stated that the NPA cannot discuss that matter due to legal restrictions.
“On that case, we don’t want to confirm anything because, remember, the victim and the accused in this case were both minors. So, in terms of the law, we can’t even comment. In fact, we are trying to stay away from that case,” he explained.
This reluctance to revisit past incidents has sparked public frustration, with some residents arguing that intervention after the earlier case might have prevented the current tragedy.
Forensic investigations ongoing: What are they looking for?
While the NPA is restricted from discussing previous incidents, the investigation into the murder of Deveney Nel remains active, with critical forensic work still pending.
Ntabazalila revealed that the police are still analysing key pieces of digital evidence.
“The investigation that is still outstanding is the forensic investigation that still needs to finalise. There is analysis of his cellphone and there’s a computer analysis that needs to be done,” Ntabazalila said.
This forensic analysis of the suspect’s cellphone and computer could shed new light on the circumstances surrounding Deveney’s murder.
Although the nature of the material being analysed has not been disclosed, the digital trail left on these devices may provide important insights, such as communication records, browsing history, or other digital activity.
Investigators are searching for any evidence that could clarify the suspect’s actions leading up to the crime or potentially reveal any premeditation.
