Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has criticised the South African Police Service (SAPS), for their lack of support and presence at the funeral of Chesnay Keppler, which was held on Saturday in Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg.
Speaking at the funeral Lesufi also apologised to the family of the late Keppler, a 22-year-old Gauteng Traffic Warden who was shot and killed on December, 26 by her boyfriend, Mandla Buthelezi, who is a police sergeant at the Eldorado Police Station.
“We come to you to say sorry. We come to you to apologise. He was not mandated. He was not under our instruction. But It’s painful, and we want to say sorry,” said Lesufi.
Keppler’s murder came days after the 16 days of activism campaign against women and children.
He further said the SAPS leadership had "missed an opportunity" to "face" and be with the community, and to be with the "side that is in pain".
"The entire leadership of the South African Police should have come here to demonstrate that they're at peace with the family and that they're not at war with the community."
His words were well received as many activists and politicians shared the same sentiments about the visibility and support the SAPS could have given to the Keppler family.
Peter Rafferty, a community leader from Eldorado Park expressed disappointment with the lack of support the SAPS showed during this ordeal, adding that their lives don't matter.
“The Premier was spot on with his remarks. The fact that the Minister nor anyone from his Department (was not present) shows disregard specifically for our community. My personal belief after this is that our lives don't matter,” Rafferty said.
He added that there has been a major disconnect between the SAPS and the community caused by the current station commander.
Crime has spiraled out of control and most community members lost faith in our local police station.
Rafferty also voiced his frustrations and dissatisfaction stating that there has been a major disconnect between the SAPS and the community caused by the current Station Commander.
“Crime has spiraled out of control and most community members lost faith in our local station, serious changes need to be made at Eldorado Park SAPS in terms of management. Brigadier Mkhacani Maluleka must go,” said Rafferty.
He further stated that the long trail of Nathaniel Julies who was brutally killed by the very members of SAPS still needs to be completed.
Rafferty highlighted that it comes as if the SAPS were protecting wrongdoers and at times makes the community feel as if they have done something wrong when calling for justice.
“In another incident, one community member was beaten to a pulp by members of the Eldos SAPS on boxing day and no one has been charged even after the family went to report this matter,” he added.
Another community leader, founder of #MyLifeMatters, and MMC for finance Margaret Arnolds said it is a lost opportunity that the Station Commander was absent at the funeral.
“It is a lost opportunity cause if the Station Commander was there it would have shown his solidarity with the family and the community, SAPS in Eldorado Park is failing us,” Arnolds said.
She also encouraged all stakeholders to unite and curb the sage of GBV.
Mbuyiselo Botha, founder and member of the South African Men’s Forum also echoed the same sentiments that Lesufi shared. He said the presence of the police would have sent a clear message that violence by any member of the SAPS will not be tolerated.
“The absence of the police has sent confusing and conflicting messages, among them being that they were too busy and that this was not an important ceremony for them to attend, it was indeed a missed opportunity, said Botha.
In response to the matter ActionSA believes that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate would be better positioned to conduct an independent investigation.
Whilst mindful of the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, the party also says the alleged perpetrator should be immediately suspended from official duties until the case is concluded.
“The Gauteng government must also increase mechanisms to curb the scourge of GBV in our communities. This is not a fight the government can win alone; hence, there is a need to collaborate with civic organisations and willing private sector partners to keep our women safe. We also call on the SAPS management to ensure that their members are consistently taken to mental health and wellness routines to ensure their well-being,” said the party.
The Star reached out to Kamogelo Mogotsi, the spokesperson of the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu who said she had no comment on Lesufi’s statement regarding the absence of the Mchunu and the SAPS.
Sergeant Mandla Buthelezi is due to appear in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The Star