An 18-year-old has been sentenced to 25 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of 16-year-old learner Deveney Nel at Overberg High School in Caledon. The Western Cape High Court handed down the sentence after the accused, who was 17 at the time of the killing, entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the State. (EWN)
According to News24 Deveney went missing in August last year and her body was later found in a storeroom on the school grounds. Police said she had sustained multiple stab wounds. The discovery shocked the local community and prompted widespread calls for answers and justice.
As part of the agreement, the court also imposed a concurrent 12-year sentence for defeating the ends of justice. Eric Ntabazalila, a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, welcomed the outcome and noted that the 25-year term is the maximum available under the Child Justice Act for a child in conflict with the law.
Family members and supporters gathered outside the court during proceedings, holding placards and calling for the memory of Deveney to be honoured.
Local activists have used the case to press for stronger child-protection measures and more support for school safety initiatives across the region.
The sentence closes one chapter for Deveney’s family but community leaders say work remains to prevent similar tragedies.
The court record will also inform ongoing discussions about how the justice system balances accountability with the rights and rehabilitation needs of young offenders.
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Update: Psych evaluation deems teen accused of Deveney Nel murder fit for trial
Picture: Tanya Bippert / Facebook
