Answers Sought in the Deveney Nel Murder Case

Dear Editor

The DA has written to the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice to demand answers as to why a young offender was not referred to the Children’s Court after the Magistrate was warned that he was at high risk of continuing to resort to violence and have a disregard of societal rules and norms. We will request that the Magistrates Commission conduct a full investigation and report to the Select Committee within a designated time frame

Deveney Nel was stabbed to death at school in August this year and a 17-year-old accused has been arrested for her murder. It has emerged that the 17 year old, who attended the same school as Deveney, was accused of the rape of an 11-year-old in or near Albertinia, Western Cape, in 2020. Although he was found to lack sufficient criminal capacity to stand trial, a state psychiatrist warned that he was at high risk of continuing to resort to violence and have a disregard of societal rules and norms and should therefore be referred to the Children’s Court for an enquiry.

The referral never happened, with tragic consequences. The system failed the initial young victim, and tragically failed Deveney Nel and her family.

The DA is committed to exercising its oversight function, especially in respect of the mechanisms provided for in our laws which are designed to protect women and children.

Regards

Nicholas Gotsell MP
DA Member on the Select Committee on Security and Justice