Cape Town - The teen accused of allegedly stabbing Deveney Nel, 16, to death has been taken to a place of safety after his first court appearance yesterday.
The court proceedings were held in camera, due to the 17-year-old suspect being a minor himself.
The suspect, who was known to Deveney, and the rest of Hoërskool Overberg in Caledon, was arrested by detectives from the Serious Violent Crime Unit on Friday. This after many interviews were carried out with learners and teachers at the school.
Deveney disappeared two weeks ago, when her school hosted a sports day. Her mother reported her missing when she did not arrive for her transport home. The Grade 10 learner was stabbed to death and her body hidden in the school’s storeroom.
In the Caledon Magistrate’s Court yesterday, about 40 protesters gathered outside, calling for justice for Deveney.
Bernard Pieters, head of community activation for the Cape Forum, commended the people who took the time to gather outside the court.
Pieters also thanked the community who effectively assisted the police in their search for Deveney.
“Cape Forum calls on all members of the public to join or at least support their local safety initiatives.
“We hope to see the same effectiveness and speed seen by the SAPS in similar cases where children are murdered. Such as in Paarl and the Cape Flats where 12 were injured, and one paralysed to name a few,” he said.
One Billion Rising SA member and community activist, Tania Bippert, said communities across the Theewaterskloof stood together.
“We showed support to Deveney’s family. We stood with one message: No bail, and justice for Deveney.
“We ask that he is tried as an adult as we need to consider the severity of the crime committed by taking an innocent life,” she said.
“I would like to thank the community for their support today, and ask that the communities stay calm and allow the case to run its course to ensure that justice is served,” Bippert said.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the accused would be kept at a place of safety while the investigation continues. The case was postponed to September 18.