Buthelezi murder trial delayed again as lawyer’s accident fuels family frustration

The trial of former police constable. Mandla Buthelezi, accused of killing Gauteng traffic warden Chesney Keppler, has been postponed once again – this time after his legal representative was injured in a car accident.

Buthelezi briefly appeared in the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday, where proceedings were expected to get underway alongside his co-accused, Llewellyn Meyers. However, the trial could not proceed after his lawyer, Sphamandla Madinane, was hospitalised following the accident.

The court heard that while attempts were made to secure alternative legal representation, concerns around trial readiness and fairness ultimately led to the postponement. The matter has now been rescheduled for 8 June, with proceedings expected to last between five and ten days, depending on outstanding admissions.

Buthelezi, 43, is accused of fatally shooting Keppler in Eldorado Park in 2024, allegedly using his service pistol during a domestic dispute.

Meyers faces charges including attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice. The State has indicated it may rely on admissions such as post-mortem and ballistic evidence to streamline the trial.

Meanwhile, frustration is mounting for the Keppler family, who say repeated delays are taking an emotional toll and raising concerns about the integrity of the process.

Keppler’s father, Trevor, has accused the defence of deliberately stalling proceedings, saying the reasons given for postponements are becoming increasingly difficult to accept.

Keppler claims the delays date back several months, alleging that the defence has failed to make key submissions since December despite multiple opportunities. He argues that missed calls and delayed filings point to a lack of urgency in preparing for trial.

The Johannesburg High Court has warned that there should be no further delays when the matter resumes in 8 June, stressing that all parties must be ready to proceed.

Despite this directive, Keppler says the repeated postponements are retraumatising the family and delaying their pursuit of justice, adding that no court outcome will ever undo their loss.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe