Teen arrested for Deveney Nel murder: 'They've known each other since primary school'
The 17-year-old is scheduled to appear in court today.
The late Overberg High School pupil, Deveney Nel. Picture: Facebook/Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation
Lester Kiewit interviews Maygene De Wee, a specialist crime reporter for Netwerk24.
Listen below.
Police have made a significant breakthrough in the murder case of 16-year-old Deveney Nel.
On Friday night, police nabbed a 17-year-old boy following the gruesome discovery of Nel's body, which was found riddled in stab wounds and locked in a storeroom at her school.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt. General Thembisile Patekile, commended the Serious Violent Crimes team for their crucial progress in the case.
“We will spare no resources in getting to the perpetrators of crime. Gender-based violence and femicide is a priority for the South African Police Service. Hence we welcome this arrest,” said Patekile.
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De Wee confirms that the suspect and Nel have been acquainted since their primary school days.
She adds that in most cases of gender-based violence and child murder she has covered, the perpetrator was someone known to the victim.
"I definitely believe that they were friends at some point."
- Maygene De Wee, specialist crime reporter – Netwerk24
The boy is scheduled to make his first court appearance today.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.