Eldorado Park community honours slain crime fighter
Teaser: Eldos residents remember a shining star extinguished too soon, a courageous 22-year-old Chesney Kepler who dedicated his life to making Eldorado Park safer.
The Gauteng crime prevention wardens, faith-based organisations and the community held a memorial service for Chesney Keppler at Don Mateman Hall in Eldorado Park, on January 2.
Keppler was shot and killed by a 42-year-old police officer, stationed at Eldorado Park SAPS, on December 26.
The memorial service was attended by government officials, Gauteng acting premier Lebogang Maile, Margaret Arnolds (CoJ MMC for Finance), Kenny Kunene (MMC for Roads and Transport), Ward 17 Clr Dwain Ponsonby and various law enforcement agencies.
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Her supervisor, Brian Ndlovu, said Keppler was a shining star in the community. “She was a true hero who dedicated her life to fighting crime and making our streets safer. Her bravery, selflessness, and passion for justice inspired us all.
“She was an exceptional individual who left an indelible mark on our lives, and her memory will continue to motivate us to work tirelessly towards a safer and more just society,” said Ndlovu.
Team leader Thandeka Nkabinde described Keppler as a quite individual who made time to greet everyone when she reported for duty.
Nkabinde said she will remember her as a humble, hardworking, and dedicated member.
“Rest in power, member. You will forever be in our hearts. You left a gap that was filled by your presence in our team. Let your memories shine brightly, guiding us through our darkest days.”
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Kesha van Schoor, a colleague of Keppler, said her passing has left an unfillable void in their lives, but her kindness, bright smile, and infectious laughter will forever be etched in their memories.
“I am grateful for the time we shared, and I hope her loved ones find comfort and strength during this difficult time.”
Maile noted that men must acknowledge their complicity in perpetuating gender-based violence and take action to prevent it.
“We must create a society where women can exist fully as human beings, without fear of violence or harm.”
He dismissed Popcru’s statement which attributed the indecent that to Keppler’s demise to mental health challenges.
“I was dismayed and disappointed when I heard of a statement from one union trying to talk about mental illnesses. Why did we have to wait for a precious life to die?
“This life was valuable to society because she has taken an oath and she has committed herself to working towards a better Eldorado Park.”
Maile noted that they will ensure that the ‘animal’ (perpetrator) does not get bail. He called on all men to be on the forefront when the accused appear at Protea Magistrate’s Court, on December 6.
