A Grade 10 pupil from Overberg High School has been found dead in a storeroom at Caledon School, according to police reports.
The deceased, identified as Deveney Nel, was last seen on Wednesday. Her photos were circulated widely on social media after she failed to catch her lift home to Grabouw.
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In an official communication, the school expressed deep distress over the tragic event: “Today (Wednesday), we are deeply distressed after one of our children died. The SAPS is handling the investigation. Therefore, the school must be closed on Thursday.”
This announcement underscores the gravity of the situation and the school’s decision to halt regular activities to manage the emotional impact on students and staff.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, confirmed on Thursday that the school remains closed. She also mentioned that counselling services have been arranged for pupils at a local church.
“We will send out a comment this morning,” Hammond added, indicating ongoing efforts to manage the crisis.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the body of the 16-year-old pupil was found in a storeroom on the school’s premises. The tragic discovery was made after the search party, established by SAPS Caledon, located the girl’s body.
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Medical personnel at the scene declared her deceased. A murder case has been opened, with the investigation transferred to the provincial serious and violent crimes team for further investigation.
This calamity has undoubtedly cast a pall over the school community, and all eyes are now on the ongoing investigation to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
