SAPS Investigation
By Lerato Mpembe
Bloemfontein, South Africa – National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicle accident unit is actively investigating the crash that resulted in the deaths of three young constables: Boipelo Senoge (20), Linda Cebekhulu (24), and Keamogetswe Buys (30). Speaking at the funeral of Constable Boipelo Senoge in Bloemfontein on Thursday, Masemola assured mourners that a comprehensive report detailing the exact cause of the accident is still pending, as the investigation continues to unfold.
The Incident and Search Efforts
The three constables went missing two weeks ago while traveling from Bloemfontein to their duty station in Limpopo. After an intensive six-day search involving multiple law enforcement agencies and security companies, their bodies were recovered last week from the Hennops River along the N1 highway in Centurion. The vehicle they were traveling in, a VW Polo, was also retrieved from the river shortly after. During the operation, two additional bodies were discovered in the same area, though police have clarified that these are not believed to be connected to the constables’ case.
Masemola praised the collaborative efforts that led to the recovery, stating, “I want to once again thank everyone who took part in the search and rescue operation that led us to finding Constable Senoge and her two colleagues who were travelling with her. You have shown the country and the world what teamwork can do in times of despair and desperation. Thank you to all units, all law enforcement and security companies that were involved.” He noted that search efforts would resume once the Hennops River’s water levels decrease, describing it as a “killer river” due to its dangerous conditions.
Funeral of Constable Boipelo Senoge
The funeral service for Constable Senoge took place at a packed Anglican Church in Bloemfontein, attended by family, friends, and dignitaries, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Masemola highlighted the profound loss to the SAPS, saying, “As the SAPS, we were blessed to have her as a member of our prestigious organisation. Just by answering the call to serve and protect, she was a huge asset, and we looked forward to her growth and success within the organisation.” The funerals for Constables Cebekhulu and Buys are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Ministers’ Appeals and Transparency
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu also addressed the mourners, urging SAPS members to remain committed to their service despite the inherent challenges. “Stay in the service, it is the right thing to do. We understand the challenges, the difficulties, but it is the right thing to do,” he said. Mchunu acknowledged the constant threats faced by police officers, adding, “Now we know SAPS members are always facing threats, and as a family of SAPS, we are always faced with this threat of losing officers, whether it’s through natural death, resignation, or unforeseen circumstances. And therefore, there is no doubt that each one of us, with the loss of three members at the same time, we really feel this very profound loss.”
Mchunu also criticized the spread of misinformation during the search, emphasizing the SAPS’s efforts to keep the public informed. “Throughout this deeply painful process, we worked closely with the families. We have remained in contact with them ever since. At the same time, we ensured the public remained informed of all major developments,” he explained. He noted that a 24-hour Venue Operational Centre was established, with teams from Limpopo, Free State, and Gauteng coordinating the response transparently.
Investigation Details
The SAPS vehicle accident unit is still working to determine the precise cause of the crash. Early findings suggest a possible traffic accident, supported by the discovery of vehicle parts and a damaged guardrail near the river. The constables’ cellphone signals were last detected around 2 a.m. on the day they disappeared, near the Hennops River. Forensic analysis of the recovered VW Polo is ongoing, with hopes that it will provide further clarity.
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