GBV activists are calling for the revision of the Child Justice Act, stating that it protects juvenile suspects and perpetrators instead of victims.
Tanya Bippert of 1 Billion Rising, an international organisation fighting for justice for victims of Gender-based Violence (GBV), raised the issue this morning outside the Caledon Magistrates’ Court where a 17-year old minor appeared in connection with Deveney Nel’s murder.
“One of the things we need to do is to have the lawmakers go back to the Child Justice Act,” she said, “because this act, which is supposed to protect Deveney Nel, is now protecting the alleged perpetrator.
“When these laws were drawn up there were isolated incidents (involving juvenile accused) but in present times, unfortunately, more and more crimes are being committed by minors.”
The accused will be tried under the Child Justice Act as he is a minor. This means that his identity might never be made public even after he turns 18.
Bippert and a handful of protesters gathered outside the Caledon Magistrates’ Court where the accused made a brief appearance. He appeared in camera as he is a minor.
The suspect was arrested hours after attending a memorial service for the 16-year-old Deveney, whose body was discovered in a storeroom at Hoërskool Caledon during a search, after she had been reported missing after failing to show up for her lift from school to her home in Grabouw on Wednesday 7 August.
The small group of protesters was in stark contrast with the large crowd that gathered at the accused’s first court appearance. But, said Bippert, this is to be expected.
“We are here to show support for Deveney Nel, her mother, sister and friends. Every time, fewer and fewer people show up, but even if we are only one or two we will continue to support this case.”
During the accused’s previous appearance in September, a petition asking that the accused not be released on bail, that he receive the maximum sentence if convicted and that he not be held in a place of safety for youth was handed to authorities. The petition was signed by more than 1 400 people.
Eric Ntabazalila, the provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed the case was postponed to Friday 25 October for further investigation.
