Keppler family hopes for closure as accused killer proposes surprise plea deal

After nearly 18 months of delays, the family of murdered Gauteng traffic warden, Chesney Keppler, says it hopes the case will finally reach a conclusion following an unexpected plea proposal from the man accused of killing her.

The murder trial of former police constable, Mandla Buthelezi, took a dramatic turn in the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday when the defence proposed a plea agreement before a single witness could testify.

The trial was expected to get underway with the State ready to present its case. However, Buthelezi’s attorney, Sphamandla Madinane, requested a postponement until Thursday to allow the defence to formally submit a plea proposal to prosecutors.

Buthelezi is accused of murdering 22-year-old Keppler on Boxing Day in 2024 and faces several charges linked to her death.

According to the defence, discussions around a possible plea agreement are now underway, although the contents of the proposal have not been made public.

“We’re requesting the court to attend the matter till Thursday, the 11th of June, if possible, my lady, so that we can finalize that process, my lady. We intend to submit this plea by tomorrow to the NPA,” said Madinane.

It remains unclear whether Buthelezi intends to plead guilty to any of the charges against him.

The development means the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must now evaluate the proposal before deciding whether to accept or reject it.

State prosecutor, Maphile Molefe, told the court that the NPA would need time to consult with investigators, senior prosecutors and the Keppler family before making a decision on the proposed agreement.

“By Thursday, I think, will be done. Then we’ll then it will also give me an opportunity also to discuss the plea with my seniors and also to discuss the faith of accused number two in light of what has changed now.”

Speaking after proceedings, Keppler’s father, Trevor Keppler, said the family remains focused on justice and hopes the matter can finally be brought to a close.

“Every time coming to court has been a struggle. You know, it just brings back all those nasty memories of how my child died and through what she died. And, hopefully on Thursday it will really come to an end. Today they’ve entered into a plea we’ll just hear what the prosecutor says tomorrow and then if they accept our conditions, and then hopefully it will be over and done with.”

The matter has been postponed to Thursday, when the State is expected to indicate its position on the plea proposal.

The outcome could significantly influence the direction of a case that has been marked by repeated postponements and delays since Buthelezi’s arrest.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe