The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has apprehended a 35-year-old constable from the Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) at Eldorado Park Police Station. The constable is accused of attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and contravening Sections 29(1) and 33(3) of the IPID Act by failing to report a crime.
The charges stem from events tied to the December homicide of Gauteng Crime Warden Chesnay Kepler, allegedly slain by her boyfriend, Constable Mandla Buthelezi, using his service pistol. The newly arrested officer was present at the scene, allegedly assaulted Kepler’s friends during an altercation, fired shots toward them, and failed to notify IPID of the incident. He remains in custody ahead of his first court appearance at the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 1 September 2025.
This arrest comes amid a disturbing rise in police-related crimes. The latest IPID report—covering the 2023/24 financial year—records 5,136 police-related incidents, which include corrupt behavior, excessive force, and other serious misconduct. This tally also includes 460 deaths caused by police action, reflecting a 17% increase from the previous year, along with 212 detainee deaths in custody.
Meanwhile, parliamentary disclosures reveal that since 2019, a total of 5,489 SAPS members have been arrested for various criminal offenses, yet 3,981 of them remain actively employed within the service. This startling figure underscores a systemic failure in accountability and disciplinary enforcement.
Other Recent Incidents: Escalating Backlash
In Brakpan, Sergeant Brian Mngadi fatally shot his wife and injured relatives before taking his own life—an incident that spotlights the lethal consequences of domestic violence within law enforcement, especially where guns are readily accessible.
In Mpumalanga, three officers from Embalenhle now face murder charges for allegedly beating and killing a detainee in custody. Their case is currently pending a bail hearing.
These incidents, together with Eldorado Park’s arrest, punctuate a pattern of abuse of power and violence by those sworn to protect—creating deep fractures in public trust.
Call for Urgent Reform
Civil society groups, such as Not In My Name International, have strongly condemned the unfolding scandal. “It is unacceptable that officers designated to serve and protect are becoming perpetrators or covering up crimes,” said a spokesperson, demanding that rogue officers face full legal consequences.
As this arrest reverberates across Gauteng, the spotlight intensifies on SAPS leadership and oversight agencies to act decisively.
These mounting scandals—ranging from Eldorado Park to Brakpan and Embalenhle—underscore an urgent need for sweeping reform, stronger internal discipline, and enhanced transparency to restore citizen confidence in South Africa’s policing institutions.
