The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that the white Volkswagen Polo recovered from the Hennops River is the same vehicle in which three police officers were traveling before they went missing last week. The announcement follows the recovery of the officers’ bodies from the river, prompting a multi-agency investigation into their deaths.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said several items found inside the submerged vehicle helped confirm its identity, including a handbag, a police service book, and other personal belongings. These items were positively identified by the families of the deceased officers.
The recovery operation, conducted in the early hours of Monday morning, involved the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, emergency divers, and local law enforcement. The vehicle was located in a deep, murky section of the river near Centurion, where floodwaters and unstable terrain had initially delayed search efforts.
BREAKING
BREAKING
Police CONFIRM that this IS the white VW POLO that the three police officers were traveling in.
Items were found inside including a handbag and service book. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/ARSbvljgPj— Chriselda Zozi Lewis (Babes Wendaba) (@Chriseldalewis) May 1, 2025
The three officers—two men and one woman—were reportedly on their way to a police workshop when they were last seen. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle may have been swept off the road by strong currents during heavy rains over the weekend, though investigators have not ruled out foul play.
Authorities are now working to reconstruct the events leading up to the incident. “We are examining GPS data, call logs, and traffic camera footage to determine the precise route taken and whether there were any irregularities before the car entered the river,” Brigadier Mathe said.
Family members of the officers were present during the recovery operation and are receiving counseling and support from SAPS trauma units.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola expressed his condolences, calling the loss a devastating blow to the police community. “These officers died while serving their country. We will ensure a thorough investigation to provide answers and closure to their families,” he said.
The SAPS has requested that the public respect the privacy of the grieving families as the investigation continues.