DailySun
Johannesburg – Tragically, a 22-year-old crime prevention officer, Chesnay Patricia Keppler, has lost her life in Eldorado Park, allegedly at the hands of her police officer boyfriend.
The off-duty officer was fatally shot at her home on Smarag Street during Christmas Day, which took place on Wednesday, 25 December 2024.
It has been reported that in the early hours of Christmas Day, around 03:00, the police sergeant arrived at his girlfriend’s residence on Smarag Street.
The sergeant reportedly drove a police vehicle to Eldorado Park while intoxicated, accompanied by another police officer.
Upon his arrival at Keppler’s home, he allegedly forced her into the police vehicle, with her mother and two friends witnessing the distressing scene.
Allegations suggest that the sergeant assaulted his girlfriend, and when her friends tried to step in, he redirected his violence towards them.
Fortunately, witnesses noted that the women eventually managed to overpower the sergeant, escaping into the house and securing the door behind them.
One of the friends recorded the violent episode on a cellphone video.
The footage shows the sergeant returning to the police vehicle to retrieve his firearm before heading back to the yard.
From the kitchen window, the sergeant reportedly fired multiple shots at Keppler.
She was quickly taken to Baragwanath Hospital, where she was declared dead upon arrival.
A witness informed the police that the officer had been involved in an abusive relationship with the sergeant for a long time.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which is responsible for investigating deaths, assaults, rapes, and torture involving police, confirmed that the sergeant fled the scene after the shooting.
Authorities managed to track down the suspect; however, before an arrest could occur, he shot himself.
He is currently hospitalized under police supervision and was expected to make his first court appearance at the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 30 December 2024.
