Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has publicly apologized to the family of Chesnay Keppler, a traffic warden who was tragically killed by her boyfriend, Mandla Buthelezi, a police officer at the Eldorado Park Police Station.
Speaking at Keppler’s funeral in Eldorado Park on Saturday, Lesufi expressed his condolences and emphasized the government’s commitment to justice for the family and stronger measures against gender-based violence (GBV).
A Tragic Loss
Keppler’s murder has left her family and community devastated. Lesufi conveyed his sorrow and acknowledged the failure of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in this case.
“We come to you to say sorry. We come to you to apologize. He was not under our instruction,” said Lesufi.
He criticized the absence of SAPS leadership at the funeral, stating that their presence was essential to show solidarity with the grieving family and the community.
“The entire police leadership should have been here to demonstrate that they are at peace with the family, and they are not at war with the community,” he added.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence
The Premier highlighted the alarming rise in crimes against women and children in Gauteng.
“When I came here, I received the sad news that a five-year-old in Duduza was not only raped but was killed and dumped in a dumping area,” Lesufi said, adding that another teenage girl in Pretoria was brutally murdered, her body burned and discarded outside her house.
“These incidents demonstrate that we are at war with vultures, heartless people, and those who have chosen to become enemies of our people,” he said passionately.
Lesufi assured the public that the provincial government is prepared to confront GBV perpetrators head-on.
“We are not ready to retreat, and we are not ready to run away. We are ready to confront these monsters head-on,” he declared.
Justice for Chesnay Keppler
Lesufi reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring justice for Keppler and called for a united front in demanding accountability.
“As we go to court [on Monday], the message is simple: Justice, justice, justice,” he said, urging the judiciary to act decisively in this case and others involving violence against women.
The Premier also addressed crime wardens attending the funeral, assuring them of his support and emphasizing the importance of their role in combating crime.
“One thing I will not tolerate is for the police to turn you into messengers,” he said.
Community Mobilization and Legal Proceedings
The Eldorado Park community is expected to gather in large numbers at the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where Buthelezi is scheduled to appear. The previous week, he failed to appear due to reported illness and an alleged suicide attempt.
Community members and politicians alike have called for the state to oppose bail for Buthelezi, citing the severity of the crime and the need for justice for Keppler and other victims of GBV.
Lesufi’s Broader Message
Lesufi used the platform to highlight the broader societal issue of gender-based violence, which has reached crisis levels in South Africa. He urged communities to come together and support efforts to eradicate GBV while holding perpetrators accountable.
“The police need to be on the side of those in pain,” he said, stressing the importance of law enforcement agencies working in harmony with communities to restore trust and ensure safety.
A Call to Action
Lesufi’s apology and heartfelt words at Keppler’s funeral resonated with the community and underscored the government’s responsibility to address the systemic issues enabling such tragedies. The Premier’s commitment to justice and eradicating GBV reflects a determination to confront these challenges head-on and ensure a safer environment for women and children in Gauteng.
As the community gathers at court, their presence will symbolize a collective demand for accountability and an end to the violence that continues to plague South African society.