Nel, who lived in Grabouw, was reported missing by her mother after failing to return home from school.
The Caledon police established a search party and Nel, 16, was found dead in a storeroom at the school on August 7.
Medical personnel declared the teenage girl dead at the scene and she was identified as the missing person.
Western Cape police commissioner Lt-Gen Thembisile Patekile applauded the police for the breakthrough in the case as the fight against crimes targeting women, children and other vulnerable people intensifies.
“We will spare no resources in getting to the perpetrators of crime. Gender-based violence and femicide is a priority for the SA Police Service. Hence we welcome his arrest,” Patekile said.
TimesLIVE
Rorisang Kgosana
www.sowetanlive.co.za
