{"id":36264,"date":"2026-02-10T15:55:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T13:55:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/?p=36264"},"modified":"2026-02-18T16:12:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T14:12:37","slug":"trial-date-set-in-chesney-keppler-murder-case-as-family-seeks-closure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/2026\/02\/10\/trial-date-set-in-chesney-keppler-murder-case-as-family-seeks-closure\/","title":{"rendered":"Trial date set in Chesney Keppler murder case as family seeks closure"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Johannesburg High Court has scheduled the trial of former police constable Mandla Buthelezi, who is accused of killing Gauteng traffic warden Chesney Keppler<\/a> in Eldorado Park.<\/p>\n

Buthelezi, 43, appeared in court on Tuesday alongside his co-accused, Llewellyn Meyers, where the state confirmed it is ready to proceed with trial. The matter is scheduled to run from 14 to 17 April.<\/p>\n

Keppler was fatally shot on Boxing Day in 2024, following what the state alleges was a domestic dispute. Prosecutors allege Buthelezi fired multiple shots from his service pistol through a house window before fleeing the scene.<\/p>\n

Meyers faces charges of attempted murder of witnesses and defeating the ends of justice and remains out on bail. Buthelezi will remain in police custody until the start of the trial.<\/p>\n

State prosecutor, Maphile Molefe, told the court the matter has been set down for four days, adding that discussions are under way to make certain admissions in an effort to reduce the number of witnesses expected to testify.<\/p>\n

Outside court, the Keppler family welcomed the setting of a trial date, saying it brings them a step closer to justice after months of repeated court appearances.<\/p>\n

Chesney Keppler\u2019s father, Trevor, described the prolonged court process as deeply painful, saying each appearance forces the family to relive the trauma of her death.<\/p>\n\t

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