Overberg town murder of Grade 10 learner: New details emerge

Caledon, an Overberg town, was shaken last week when police discovered the body of a Grade 10 learner in a storeroom at the local high school. Police have confirmed the cause of death of Deveney Nel in the Overberg town murder.

Deveney stabbed to death

Authorities investigating the murder have confirmed that Deveney was fatally stabbed, as reported by capetownetc. The Overberg town murder has shaken the community.

“No words could provide comfort right now, but our thoughts are with them [her mother and sister, presumably] at this time. The school community is understandably traumatised and distressed.”
Education MEC David Maynier

The school held a memorial for Deveney on Monday, 12 August 2024. The community also arranged a prayer meeting the day before, Sunday, 11 August. Pastor Joe Potgieter led the prayer meeting.

People have been posting condolences, messages of shock, and also messages of sympathy all over social media.

Her mother, Lida Nel, reported Deveney missing after she did not show up for her ride home after school. This was on Wednesday, 7 August 2024. Posts about her disappearance were all over social media with photos to alert the community.

Cape Forum submits grievances against police

The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes team is investigating the incident at the present time.

Heindrich Wyngaard, Executive Chairperson of Cape Forum, raised concerns about how authorities are handling the investigation. This includes delays and possible interference at the crime scene.

He sent a letter to the Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, listing several grievances pertaining to the case.

Firstly, he questioned why the police sent Deveney’s mother to the Grabouw police station when she wanted to report Deveney missing in Caledon.

Secondly, he stated that a senior officer from the Overberg District command unit allegedly took control of the crime scene before the local police could conduct their investigation. This was despite the fact that the local station commander was present at the time.

Lastly, Wyngaard stated in his letter that someone allegedly cleaned up the scene and that the police did not immediately question the person who discovered Deveney’s body.

According to Swisher Post, the fact that police found the deceased’s body in a seemingly secure location has heightened the sense of fear and suspicion among community members. There is a growing belief that her killer is someone she knew.

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