ActionSA agrees with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s sentiments that the absence of the South African Police Services (SAPS) at the funeral of slain Gauteng Traffic Warden Chesnay Keppler, was a missed opportunity for SAPS management to update Keppler’s family and community regarding her brutal murder.
Whilst holding employers responsible for their employees’ conduct may be questionable in ordinary circumstances, it is worth noting that the alleged assailant – a police sergeant – was on duty and allegedly drunk at the time of the incident leading to Keppler’s death. Only the SAPS could have explained how an officer could have been on duty and using his service pistol whilst under the influence of alcohol.
SAPS, as an investigating authority in this case, would have been able to indicate how far their investigation had gone, despite the fact that the suspect being in custody. And only SAPS could have taken the family and community into confidence as to what internal disciplinary actions are being taken against the alleged perpetrator. Their absence at the funeral leaves these pertinent questions hanging in the air, leading to more misery, pain and uncertainty.
Taking into consideration the demands of the Eldorado Park community that the current station commander be removed, ActionSA calls on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to take over these investigations as there was:
– Death as a result of police action.
– Discharge of an official firearm by a police officer.
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, ActionSA also believes 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 gender-based violence 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.
ActionSA will monitor this matter until justice is served to Chesnay Keppler, her family, the community of Eldorado Park and Gauteng residents who are confronted with Gender-Based Violence on a daily basis.
ActionSA Gauteng is committed to ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and our civil service is professionalized.
ActionSA Echoes Premier Lesufi’s Sentiments on the Absence of SAPS at Keppler’s Funeral
ActionSA agrees with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s sentiments that the absence of the South African Police Services (SAPS) at the funeral of slain Gauteng Traffic Warden Chesnay Keppler, was a missed opportunity for SAPS management to update Keppler’s family and community regarding her brutal murder.
Whilst holding employers responsible for their employees’ conduct may be questionable in ordinary circumstances, it is worth noting that the alleged assailant – a police sergeant – was on duty and allegedly drunk at the time of the incident leading to Keppler’s death. Only the SAPS could have explained how an officer could have been on duty and using his service pistol whilst under the influence of alcohol.
SAPS, as an investigating authority in this case, would have been able to indicate how far their investigation had gone, despite the fact that the suspect being in custody. And only SAPS could have taken the family and community into confidence as to what internal disciplinary actions are being taken against the alleged perpetrator. Their absence at the funeral leaves these pertinent questions hanging in the air, leading to more misery, pain and uncertainty.
Taking into consideration the demands of the Eldorado Park community that the current station commander be removed, ActionSA calls on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to take over these investigations as there was:
– Death as a result of police action.
– Discharge of an official firearm by a police officer.
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, ActionSA also believes 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 gender-based violence 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.
ActionSA will monitor this matter until justice is served to Chesnay Keppler, her family, the community of Eldorado Park and Gauteng residents who are confronted with Gender-Based Violence on a daily basis.
ActionSA Gauteng is committed to ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and our civil service is professionalized.