EFF on Three Free State SAPS Officers Who Were Found Dead
By Thabo Mosia
Centurion, Gauteng – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the deaths of three South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and two civilians whose bodies were recovered from the Hennops River in Centurion, Gauteng. The tragic loss of Constables Linda Cebekhulu (24), Boipelo Senoge (20), and Keamogetswe Buys (30), alongside a Lyttelton Police Station administrator and an unidentified individual, has sparked widespread grief and suspicion. The EFF’s demand for a “full and transparent investigation” reflects growing public concern over the mysterious circumstances surrounding these deaths, with questions lingering about whether they were accidental or part of a “broader and possibly coordinated pattern of violence.”
A Nation in Mourning
The grim discovery of five bodies in the Hennops River began on Monday, 28 April 2025, when SAPS divers recovered two bodies, followed by three more on Tuesday. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed that three of the deceased were the missing Free State constables: Linda Cebekhulu, Keamogetswe Buys, and Boipelo Senoge. The trio vanished on Thursday, 24 April 2025, after leaving Bloemfontein for their deployment in Limpopo. Their last known location was an Engen garage near the Grasmere Toll Plaza on the N1 highway.
The fourth body was identified as a male administrator from the Lyttelton Police Station, reported missing since Saturday, 26 April 2025. The fifth, found in a state of decomposition, remains unidentified, prompting the EFF to urge authorities to “work with urgency to identify the last individual and notify their family.” The presence of multiple bodies in the same river system within days has raised alarms, with EFF National Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo stating, “This development is deeply concerning.”
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through South Africa, with communities in Bloemfontein, Centurion, and beyond mourning the loss of dedicated public servants and civilians. The SAPS, families, and political leaders are united in their quest for answers, as the investigation into this unsettling incident unfolds.
EFF’s Urgent Call for Justice
On Tuesday, 29 April 2025, the EFF issued a powerful statement, extending condolences and demanding accountability. “The country deserves to know whether these are isolated incidents or something far more criminal and sinister,” Thambo said. The party commended the SAPS search and rescue teams for their tireless efforts, utilizing “drone technology” and enduring “challenging conditions” to recover the bodies.
The EFF emphasized the need for closure and justice, particularly for the unidentified victim’s family. “No family should have to endure uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones, and every life lost deserves dignity, justice, and closure,” Thambo added. The party’s call for a probe aligns with public sentiment, as the unusual circumstances—multiple bodies, missing vehicles, and a history of accidents along the N1—fuel speculation about foul play.
The EFF’s demand has resonated with South Africans, who are grappling with the loss of young officers and civilians in such mysterious circumstances. The party’s insistence on transparency underscores the broader societal need to address safety concerns on major highways and protect those who serve.
The Investigation: Unraveling the Mystery
The SAPS is investigating the deaths as a case of culpable homicide, but General Masemola has not ruled out other possibilities. “For now, we are investigating a culpable homicide, but if evidence comes to light that a specific crime has been committed, we will register that new crime,” he said during a media briefing at the scene.
Investigators found parts of a Volkswagen Polo, believed to be the officers’ vehicle, along the N1 near a damaged embankment, suggesting a possible crash. “We found pieces of vehicle parts believed to be of a Volkswagen Polo along the N1, just where we were now next to the bridge,” Masemola explained. The vehicle, registered as JCL 401 FS, remains missing, complicating efforts to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The last confirmed sighting of the Polo was on a camera at the Brakfontein interchange, driving north on the N1 at 12:12 AM on Thursday, 24 April 2025. “The last camera that saw the car is the one at the Brakfontein interchange, and then the cameras from here northward, we can’t find the car,” Masemola noted. A family member raised concerns about conflicting tracker data, claiming the vehicle was detected near Midrand at 5:00 AM, but police clarified that the tracker signal was lost at Brakfontein, with one officer’s bank app accessed at the interchange.
The Hennops River’s strong currents, exacerbated by heavy rains the previous week, likely swept the bodies downstream. “Last week Thursday, this river was full. If they were to go in, they would be washed immediately,” a police official told families at the scene. Two bodies were found 500 meters downstream, while another was located 6 kilometers away, trapped by debris.
Families questioned the presence of other vehicles in the river, including a Renault Kangoo panel van linked to the Lyttelton administrator. “Isn’t it strange that all of a sudden there’s vehicles being found here?” one relative asked. Masemola responded, “This road, when it rains normally, there will be water, and if you drive with speed, you can easily lose control.” Despite this, the EFF and families remain skeptical, pressing for a deeper investigation into potential foul play, including “possible hijacking and kidnapping” initially suspected by SAPS.
The Search Operation: A Herculean Effort
The SAPS launched a massive search operation after the officers’ disappearance, involving detectives, crime intelligence operators, drones, airwing units, and divers from Gauteng and the Free State. A 24-hour Venue Operational Centre (VOC) was established to coordinate efforts. “The high-level team that I appointed has been tasked with investigating the disappearance of our members and they spent sleepless nights,” Masemola said.
The Hennops River’s notorious currents and rocky terrain posed significant challenges. Divers battled high water levels, while drones scanned the riverbanks for clues. The discovery of vehicle parts, including a creamy-colored grill matching the Polo, led investigators to focus on a specific stretch near the N1 bridge. A damaged embankment and skid marks further supported the theory of an accident, though questions about the missing vehicle persist.
The operation also uncovered the Renault Kangoo, linked to the Lyttelton administrator, who was reported missing after visiting friends on Saturday. His wife tracked the vehicle to within 1 kilometer of their home in Hennops Park on Sunday morning but did not report him missing until Monday, when a passerby spotted the van in the river.
The search was intensified by the discovery of a decomposed body, highlighting the urgency of identifying all victims. The SAPS’s use of advanced technology, including cybercrime units and counter-intelligence, underscores the complexity of the operation and the commitment to uncovering the truth.
Families’ Anguish and Search for Closure
The families of the deceased officers traveled from Bloemfontein to Pretoria to identify the bodies, a process described as “absolutely devastating.” Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo, Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, and other senior SAPS officials provided psychosocial support. “It is quite difficult for the family. It’s quite difficult for anybody to accept it,” Masemola said, reflecting the emotional toll.
The father of Constable Boipelo Senoge shared his heartbreak, saying, “She was a friend. We spoke regularly, and when she didn’t make contact after leaving for Limpopo, I knew something was wrong.” He expressed relief at finding her body but insisted, “The investigation must continue so that we can get to the bottom of what really happened here.”
The Senoge family had earlier pleaded for information, stating, “Boipelo is a beloved daughter and sister. We are heartbroken and praying for her safe return.” Similar sentiments came from the families of Cebekhulu and Buys, who now face the daunting task of planning funerals while grappling with unanswered questions. The unidentified fifth victim’s family, still in limbo, adds to the collective grief, with the EFF urging swift action to provide them closure.
Families also pressed investigators with pointed questions. “I would only be convinced that it’s them who hit this place if we can have a report that there was no other incident prior to this,” one relative said, reflecting skepticism about the accident theory. The presence of multiple vehicles in the river heightened their concerns, with another asking, “Maybe the other cars fell in here before them or thereafter?”
The Fallen Officers: Pillars of Service
The three constables were dedicated public servants whose loss has left a void in the SAPS. Constable Linda Cebekhulu, a 24-year-old male officer, was known for his community policing efforts, mentoring youth in Bloemfontein to steer them away from crime. Constable Keamogetswe Buys, 30, had recently completed specialized crime prevention training and was eager to serve in Limpopo, where rural communities face unique safety challenges. Constable Boipelo Senoge, just 20, joined the SAPS two years ago and was seen as a rising star with a bright future, her enthusiasm inspiring colleagues.
Their off-duty trip to visit family in the Free State turned tragic, leaving colleagues and communities in mourning. At Park Road police station in Bloemfontein, where Buys was stationed, community members gathered to pray and express shock. “This is a bizarre incident. We prayed with the families and hoped for good news, but now we just want justice,” a resident said. The husband of one officer, speaking emotionally on Sunday, had pleaded for her safe return, a hope now shattered by the grim discovery.
Hennops River: A History of Tragedy
The Hennops River, running parallel to the N1, has a troubling history of accidents and missing persons cases. Its fast-moving waters and proximity to a busy highway make it a hazardous site, particularly during heavy rains. In 2019, a motorist drowned after their car was swept away, and in 2022, a hiker’s body was recovered from the river after a flash flood. These incidents highlight the river’s dangers, which Masemola noted were exacerbated on the night of the incident: “Last week Thursday, this river was full.”
The discovery of multiple vehicles, including the Renault Kangoo, raises questions about the safety of this stretch of the N1. Families and the EFF have called for improved infrastructure, such as stronger barriers, better lighting, and warning signs, to prevent future tragedies. The river’s treacherous conditions also complicated the search, with divers navigating debris and strong currents to recover the bodies.
R350,000 Reward and Public Appeal
The SAPS announced a R350,000 reward for information leading to the officers’ whereabouts, an offer that remains active to identify those responsible or uncover critical details. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe urged the public to assist, stating, “Anyone who may have information on their whereabouts is encouraged to call the investigating officer, Captain Chaacha Manga on 082 527-6099.”
Initial suspicions of “possible hijacking and kidnapping” have not been ruled out, though the current focus is on culpable homicide. The officers’ cellphones and vehicle tracker went offline shortly after their last known location, adding to the mystery. The SAPS is also analyzing forensic evidence, including the vehicle parts and embankment damage, to reconstruct the events of that fateful night.
Broader Context: Police Safety and Road Hazards
The deaths of Constables Cebekhulu, Buys, and Senoge underscore the risks faced by South African police officers. In 2023, over 30 officers were killed in the line of duty, according to SAPS statistics, with many more facing threats off-duty. The Hennops River incident has renewed calls for enhanced safety measures, including better vehicle tracking systems, roadside support, and increased patrols along major highways like the N1.
South Africa’s roads are among the world’s most dangerous, with the World Health Organization reporting over 12,000 road deaths annually. Recent incidents highlight this crisis. On 29 April 2025, two crashes near Hoedspruit, Limpopo, killed three people and injured 63, with reckless driving cited as a factor. In March 2025, a head-on collision on the R40 near Hoedspruit claimed 13 lives, including supermarket workers. These tragedies emphasize the need for systemic changes, such as improved road infrastructure, stricter traffic enforcement, and public awareness campaigns.
The Hennops River incident also raises questions about the vulnerability of off-duty officers, who often travel long distances between deployments. The SAPS has faced criticism for inadequate support for such journeys, prompting calls for policy reforms to ensure officer safety.
Community and Political Reactions
The tragedy has galvanized communities in Centurion and Bloemfontein. In Centurion, residents assisted with search efforts, providing food and water to SAPS teams. In Bloemfontein, vigils were held at Park Road police station, where Buys was stationed. “This kind of incident, where people vanish without a trace, is terrifying,” a community member said, echoing the sentiment of many.
Politically, the EFF’s demand for a probe has struck a chord, with other parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and African National Congress (ANC), expressing condolences and calling for road safety reforms. The DA’s Gauteng leader, Solly Msimanga, urged the government to invest in highway safety measures, while ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri emphasized support for the SAPS and affected families.
The incident has also sparked discussions about systemic issues, such as crime along major highways and the need for better coordination between police and transport authorities. The EFF’s Thambo reiterated the party’s commitment to justice, stating, “We remain committed to demanding answers and justice in their names.”
The Human Toll: Stories of Loss
The personal stories of the deceased officers add a human dimension to the tragedy. Linda Cebekhulu, known for his warm smile, often volunteered at local schools, inspiring children to pursue education over crime. Keamogetswe Buys, a mother of two, was celebrated for her courage, once intervening in a domestic violence case that saved a family. Boipelo Senoge, the youngest, dreamed of becoming a detective, her determination earning her praise from senior officers.
The Lyttelton administrator, described as a quiet but reliable worker, left behind a grieving wife and children. His failure to return home after visiting friends prompted a belated missing person report, underscoring the need for faster reporting mechanisms. The unidentified fifth victim, whose family remains unaware of their loss, represents an ongoing tragedy that the SAPS is working to resolve.
