The families of three police officers have come together at the Hennops River in Centurion to perform important cultural rituals. This follows the recovery of the officers’ bodies from the river. The site has become a place of mourning and ceremony as loved ones honor the fallen constables in accordance with their traditions.
The rituals, taking place where the bodies were found, hold deep significance in many South African cultural practices. For the families, these ceremonies serve to guide the spirits of the deceased, particularly in cases of tragic or sudden death. They believe performing these rites at the exact location is essential for the spiritual journey of their loved ones.
A video from the scene captures the emotional gathering, with family members standing by the riverbank. Some wear traditional attire, while others comfort those overwhelmed by grief. The rituals are both a farewell and a way to ensure the departed find peace.
[WATCH] The families of the three police officers whose bodies were retrieved at the Hennops River in Centurion are performing rituals at the incident spot. The constables’ remains are being transported from Pretoria to Bloemfontein. @sholwana_z has more. pic.twitter.com/fjqdKjrzaD
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 4, 2025
Once the ceremonies conclude, the remains of the three constables will begin their final journey. They are being transported from Pretoria, where the bodies were recovered and post-mortem examinations likely took place, to Bloemfontein. This suggests the officers may have been from the Free State province, with Bloemfontein as its capital.
The trip from Gauteng to the Free State will allow for proper burials in what is likely their home region, where more family members can attend the funerals and where they can be laid to rest.
Reporter Sholwana Z is following the story, speaking with grieving families about their loss and the significance of these cultural practices in their healing process.
The deaths of the three officers have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding their presence at the Hennops River. The river, which flows through parts of Centurion, has been the site of other tragic incidents in the past. Local residents have often voiced concerns about safety, especially in more secluded areas along the riverbank.
For the South African Police Service, losing three officers is a heavy blow. Policing in South Africa carries inherent risks, with officers frequently facing threats while on duty. The loss impacts not only their families but also their colleagues and the communities they served.
The rituals at the Hennops River highlight the intersection of tradition and modern life in South Africa. While law enforcement employs contemporary investigative methods to determine what happened, the families rely on time-honored customs to care for their loved ones’ spirits.
As the bodies travel to Bloemfontein, communities along the route may pay their respects. It is common for police officers to line the roads or escort the procession as a tribute to their fallen comrades. The loss is deeply felt across the police service, regardless of personal connections.
The investigation into how the three constables ended up in the Hennops River continues as their families prepare for their final farewells in Bloemfontein.
