SA Police Constables Found Dead, Car Retrieved From Hennops River In Centurion

By Own Correspondent

The search for three missing police constables has ended in tragedy, with the recovery of their bodies from the Hennops River in Centurion, near the N1 highway. Constables Cebekhulu Linda, 24, Boipelo Senoge, 24, and Keamogetswe Buys, 30, were last seen on April 23 at the Engen garage near the Grasmere toll plaza, traveling in a white VW Polo sedan from Bloemfontein to Limpopo.

According to National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola, the vehicle may have capsized before hitting the barrier on the side of the road, landing in the river. The car was retrieved from the river on Thursday, more than two hours after it was located. Experts will now investigate how the vehicle ended up in the river.

“We are going to undertake an investigation of the car so that we can come to a conclusion on what exactly happened,” Masemola said. “At this stage, it looks like an accident until we finalize the forensic investigation.”

The recovery of the vehicle and the bodies of the three constables brings closure to the families, but also raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. A white handbag, an identity document, a vehicle service book, and keys were some of the items found inside the wrecked vehicle.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described the recovery of the vehicle as a “sad chapter,” thanking the teams involved in the operation. Senoge’s father, Paul, expressed his grief, saying, “I really had future high hopes for my daughter, and now I can’t even pray.”

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with police still trying to identify a fourth body found in the river. The autopsies have not revealed anything “sinister” so far, according to Masemola.

The police had offered a R350,000 reward for information on the missing constables and anyone who could be responsible for their disappearance. The families of the constables were taken to the mortuary where they identified the bodies of their loved ones.

In a statement, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu expressed his concern over the missing officers, saying, “We call on the community to assist law enforcement. No piece of information is too small. These are our colleagues, our sons and daughters, and we must act as one in ensuring their safe return.”

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the police force and the community, highlighting the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers. As the investigation continues, the families and colleagues of the deceased constables will be seeking answers and closure.