A tragic development has unfolded in the search for three missing police constables, as authorities have recovered three bodies from the Hennops River in Centurion, Tshwane. The South African Police Service (SAPS) had been conducting a nationwide search since the officers went missing en route to Limpopo last week.
The three officers – Keamogetswe Buys (30), Boipelo Senoge (20), and Cebekhulu Linda (24) – disappeared after leaving Bloemfontein on Wednesday evening. Their last known location was at an Engen fuel station near the Grasmere toll plaza in Gauteng. Shortly after that, their vehicle’s tracking device and cellphones were deactivated.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the discovery. “We have found three bodies so far whose identities are yet to be confirmed. The search continues for another body and further evidence that could help conclude the case,” she said. The area near the N1 highway has been described as active, with police divers, helicopters, and emergency personnel present.
Mathe added that SAPS leadership had reached out to the families to assist with identification. “It is a very difficult time. The National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has dispatched a team to bring the families to the scene.”
Initial reports indicated that four bodies had been retrieved, but Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, clarified that two were unrelated to the investigation. One of the deceased was identified as a white male, not connected to the missing constables. “The search and rescue operations are ongoing, and we are treating every discovery with caution,” Sibiya said.
The officers were believed to have been hijacked and kidnapped while on their way to join Operation Vala Umgodi, a unit focused on combating illegal mining. Senoge, who was on leave, had joined the journey voluntarily. Their disappearance prompted a R350,000 reward offer for information about their whereabouts.
The case has drawn national attention and deep concern. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu urged the public to remain sensitive and patient. “Once the identifications are confirmed, we will communicate. If it is the officers, we are deeply saddened.”
Prior to the discovery, the families of the missing officers made emotional public appeals for information. Lwazi Thepa, husband of Constable Buys, said during a media briefing in Bloemfontein: “All I pray for is the safe return of my wife. I trust the authorities are doing all they can.”
Sipho Linda, uncle of Constable Linda, appealed to the public for help. “These officers were serving the community. Somebody must have seen something. Please report it.”
Paul Senoge, father of Constable Senoge, echoed the plea. “If it was a hijacking, please allow us the chance to see our children again. Anyone who knows anything should come forward.”
The discovery of the bodies has also brought renewed focus to other unresolved disappearances, including that of Pretoria-based journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli, missing since February.
As the investigation continues, the SAPS is urging anyone with relevant information to contact Captain Chaacha Manga on 082 527 6099. The families, and the country, await further updates as authorities piece together the details of what led to this devastating outcome.
