Missing Free State SAPS Officers’ VW Polo Found in Hennops River by Police Divers
By Natalie Naidoo
Centurion, Gauteng – A significant breakthrough has been made in the tragic case of three missing Free State SAPS officers, with police divers recovering their white VW Polo submerged in the Hennops River in Centurion. The vehicle, found near the N1 highway, is believed to be the same one Constables Cebekhulu Linda (24), Keamogetswe Buys (30), and Boipelo Senoge (20) were travelling in when they vanished last week. This discovery follows the recovery of their bodies, along with two others, from the same river earlier this week, deepening the mystery surrounding their deaths.
A Tragic Discovery in the Hennops River
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the recovery of the mangled white VW Polo on Thursday, 30 April 2025, after an exhaustive search in the Hennops River. The vehicle, identified by its chassis number, was found submerged beneath a low-lying bridge along the N1 highway, close to where the officers’ bodies were discovered. “The vehicle chassis number confirms this is the vehicle that SAPS has been searching for,” said SAPS National Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe in a statement.
The VW Polo, described as a “mangled wreck,” bore signs of severe damage, with a crushed roof, split-open boot, and a brownish hue from being underwater. Police suspect the vehicle crashed into a barricade on the N1 highway in the early hours of Thursday, 24 April 2025, during heavy rainfall that caused the river to rage. The discovery of front and rear bumpers earlier in the week had already pointed investigators to the river, but the recovery of the vehicle itself is a critical step in piecing together the events leading to the officers’ deaths.
The Officers’ Final Journey
Constables Cebekhulu Linda, Keamogetswe Buys, and Boipelo Senoge left Bloemfontein on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, en route to their deployment in Polokwane, Limpopo. The trio, off-duty at the time, stopped at an Engen garage near the Grasmere Toll Plaza on the N1 in Gauteng in the early hours of Thursday. This was their last known sighting, captured on CCTV footage. Their vehicle tracking device and cellphones went offline shortly after, raising alarm when they failed to arrive in Polokwane.
The officers were dedicated members of the SAPS, each bringing unique skills to the force. Linda, with five years of service, was known for his community policing efforts. Buys, a recent graduate of specialised crime prevention training, was eager to make an impact in Limpopo. Senoge, the youngest at 20, was a rising star with a bright future. Their disappearance sparked a nationwide search, with a high-level team of detectives, crime intelligence operators, and drones deployed to trace their movements.
A Complex Investigation Unfolds
The recovery of the VW Polo is a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation, which is currently classified as a culpable homicide case. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, addressing the media in Centurion, emphasized that the investigation remains active. “We do not want to speculate at this stage. The search is still continuing as we gather evidence to reveal what has happened,” Masemola said.
The Hennops River, known for its strong currents and history of accidents, has complicated the search efforts. Police divers, supported by heavy machinery and drones, have been combing the river for additional evidence, including a large metal object found on Thursday morning. While it remains unclear if this object is related to the VW Polo, the discovery of two other vehicles downstream has raised questions about the safety of this stretch of the N1 during heavy rain.
The investigation is also exploring the possibility of foul play, with families and the public seeking answers about how the officers ended up in the river. The presence of five bodies in the same river system within a short time frame has prompted calls for a thorough probe. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) issued a statement on 29 April 2025, urging authorities to investigate whether these deaths indicate “a broader and possibly coordinated pattern of violence.” The EFF extended condolences to the families and commended the rescue teams for their tireless efforts.
Additional Victims and Unanswered Questions
In addition to the three officers, two other bodies were recovered from the Hennops River. One has been identified as a male administrator from the Lyttelton Police Station, who went missing after visiting friends on Saturday, 26 April 2025. The fifth body, found in a state of decomposition, remains unidentified, leaving families in limbo. Police have stated there is no apparent link between these additional deaths and the officers’ case, but the clustering of incidents has heightened public concern.
The families of the officers, supported by Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo and senior SAPS officials, visited the scene on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, to seek closure. Emotional scenes unfolded as they confronted the site where their loved ones likely met their demise. The father of Constable Senoge, speaking to the media, expressed relief at finding his daughter’s body but called for the investigation to uncover the full truth. “She was a friend, a beloved daughter. We are heartbroken, but we need to know what really happened,” he said.
Community and Police Response
The tragedy has reverberated through the SAPS and the broader community. Colleagues of the officers have joined search efforts, while residents of Centurion and Bloemfontein have offered support, from assisting on the ground to raising awareness. A R350,000 reward, announced shortly after the officers’ disappearance, remains in place for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, should foul play be confirmed.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has urged the public to remain sensitive and allow the investigation to proceed without speculation. “We are committed to finding answers for the families and ensuring justice is served,” Mchunu said. Psychosocial support has been provided to the families, who were transported from Bloemfontein to Pretoria to identify the remains at the mortuary.
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