Cape Town – Western Cape Police Oversight Minister Anroux Marais has reportedly expressed deep sympathy for Lida Nel and her daughter Jamie after 16-year-old Deveney Nel was found dead at Overberg High School in Caledon.
Deveney, a Grade 10 student, was reported missing after a sports day, and her body was discovered in a storeroom hours later.
Her death followed the recent passing of her father, Jacques, The Citizen reported.
“Lida’s husband and the two girls’ father, Jacques, also recently passed away. It’s almost too much for any human being to bear and my heart goes out to them,” Marais said, according to the report.
She assured that the investigation was being handled by the serious and violent crime unit under Brigadier Leon Hanana, who was following strong leads.
Deveney Nel, 16, lifeless body was found in a storeroom at Overberg High School in Caledon on 7 August 2024. Deveney was last seen at school on the same day. Her family reported her missing after Deveny did not arrive home as expected.
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“I can assure you that this investigation is in some of the best hands in the Western Cape police service, namely the serious and violent crime unit. The unit’s commander, Brigadier Leon Hanana, is personally in charge,” the report quoted Marais as saying.
She addressed concerns about the investigation, including potential mishandling of the crime scene and procedural issues, promising to address these if they affect justice.
Marais emphasised the importance of thorough investigation to avoid any legal loopholes and maintain the integrity of the case. She also pledged to investigate any allegations of police misconduct regarding the handling of the crime scene.
Authorities believed Nel was not killed in the storeroom where her body was found but was moved there after her murder.
IOL quoted a source as saying that drag marks from a nearby toilet and Nel’s belongings, found on the back of a local worker’s bakkie, suggest a possible movement of the body.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
