Johannesburg – The 42-year-old suicidal police sergeant, Mandla Buthelezi, finally appeared in the Protea Magistrate’s Court facing a murder charge related to the fatal shooting of his 22-year girlfriend, Chesnay Patricia Keppler.
Sergeant Buthelezi missed previous court dates because he was in hospital recovering from gunshot wounds he inflicted on himself before his arrest.
Sergeant Buthelezi allegedly fatally shot his girlfriend with his service pistol on Boxing Day at her home in Eldorado Park.
Witnesses said the sergeant who appeared inhibirated initally assaulted Keppler in the police van before he shot her through the kitchen window.
He fled the scene but was soon traced. After he shot himself, Sergeant Buthelezi was taken to hospital, where was under police guard.
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At the weekend IPID revealed that the accused had been discharged and would finally make an appearance in court.
On Monday, (6 January 2025), the Protea Magistrate’s Court postponed the matter to allow for further investigation.
The matter was postponed to 26 February 2025.
The accused, who wore a hoodie in court, was remanded in custody.
When Sergeant Buthelezi fled the crime scene the poster below was published on social media.
