A week ago today, the family of 16-year-old Deveney Nel were met with the news of the young girl’s death. The suspect(s) behind her murder are yet to be found.

The grade 10 learner’s body was found on the premises of Hoërskool Overberg on the evening of 7 August. A search for Deveney had ensued moments prior when she failed to return home from school that day. Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, says this is when the devastating discovery of the teen was made, in the storeroom of the school.

Since then, departmental psychologists and social workers, as well as other organisations, have provided counselling support to the school.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the learner’s family, friends and the school community… The school and our department are fully cooperating with the SAPS and we appeal to anyone with information to contact the SAPS Investigating Officer, Detective Brigadier Leon Hanana, on 082 522 2281 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”

Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Oversight and Community Safety is overseeing police investigations into the matter.

Nationally, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela, expressed her shock following the incident. She called for authorities to ensure greater safety at schools.

“This learner was sent to school in what is supposed to be a safe environment. Now her parents and loved ones will never see her thrive in life… We appeal to the police for swift investigations and to ensure that they leave no stone unturned.”

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Little movement in investigation

The South African Police Service says there’s been no new developments that it can share, noting that the matter is still under investigation. With that said, Provincial Commander Andre Traut requested that the public avoid sharing “unsubstantiated allegations” about the incident.

“[It] could endanger certain individuals. It is our request that the investigation process is allowed to unfold, and when the time is right, SAPS will disclose the progress that has been made.”

Vanessa Le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education SA (PEESA), shared her dismay by the lack of progress in investigations. She says detectives must work harder to ensure justice for Deveney.

“A storeroom in a school is something that is locked, that only certain people have access to… Someone must have seen something. A week later, there’s no movement, there’s no arrests? They really need to do better to give answers to this family.”

Le Roux also appealed to the Western Cape Education Department to put proper measures in place to address safety at schools – especially since this is not an isolated incident.

“As a mother, I’m asking all of these questions, because this child was in a space where she should’ve been safe… The issue of safety is across this province… It’s really time for department to revisit their safety measures.”