Three Missing Free State Constables Confirmed Dead as SAPS Recovers Bodies from Hennops River
By Thabo Mosia
Centurion, Gauteng – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that three of the five bodies recovered from the Hennops River in Centurion are those of missing Free State constables: Constable Linda Cebekhulu (24), Constable Keamogetswe Buys (30), and Constable Boipelo Senoge (20). The trio vanished on Thursday, 24 April 2025, after last being seen at a petrol station near the Grasmere Toll Plaza on the N1 highway in Gauteng, sparking a frantic nationwide search. The SAPS continues its investigation into the circumstances of their deaths, with a “R350,000 reward” still active for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Background on the Fallen Officers
The three constables were travelling from Bloemfontein to their deployment in Limpopo when they disappeared. Constable Linda Cebekhulu, a 24-year-old male officer with five years of service, was a pillar in his community, known for his dedication to community policing and mentoring youth. Constable Keamogetswe Buys, a 30-year-old female officer, had recently completed specialised crime prevention training and was eager to serve in Limpopo. Constable Boipelo Senoge, a 20-year-old female officer, joined the SAPS two years ago and quickly earned respect for her compassion and hard work.
Their journey began in a white VW Polo sedan, registration JCL 401 FS, from their base in Bloemfontein. They were last spotted refuelling at the Engen garage near the Grasmere Toll Plaza on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, before their vehicle tracking device and cellphones went offline. Their sudden disappearance triggered an immediate response from the SAPS, with a high-level team of detectives and crime intelligence officers from Gauteng and the Free State mobilised to find them.
Bodies Recovered from Hennops River
The breakthrough came on Monday when SAPS divers, aided by drones and the airwing unit, recovered two bodies from the Hennops River along the N1 highway in Centurion. By Tuesday, three more bodies were found, bringing the total to five. Through DNA testing and family identification at a Pretoria mortuary, the SAPS confirmed that three of the deceased were the missing constables.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola briefed the media at the scene, saying, “It is with a deep sorrow that I confirm that our three members have been found, together with two other bodies.” The remaining two bodies include a gardener from Littleton police station, missing since Saturday, and an unidentified decomposed body. The gardener’s Renault Kangoo panel van was also recovered from the river, though police have found no link between his death and the constables’ case.
The Hennops River, notorious for its strong currents and dangerous conditions, complicated the search. General Masemola noted that heavy rainfall the previous week had swollen the river, likely washing the bodies downstream. Evidence at the scene, including VW Polo parts and skid marks near a damaged barrier, suggests the officers’ vehicle may have plunged into the water, though the car itself remains missing.
Investigation Underway: Accident or Foul Play?
The SAPS is investigating the deaths as a case of culpable homicide, though General Masemola cautioned against speculation until the vehicle is found. “For now, it might look as an accident. We don’t know until we find the car,” he said during the briefing. The last sighting of the VW Polo was captured on a camera at the Brakfontein interchange, driving north on the N1. Subsequent cameras failed to detect the vehicle, leading investigators to the Hennops River.
Police are exploring multiple angles, including the possibility of foul play. The officers were off-duty during their trip, and there’s no evidence they were investigating a specific case that might have made them targets. However, the SAPS has not ruled out any scenarios, with General Masemola stating, “If evidence comes to light that a crime has been committed, we will register that new crime.”
SAPS divers and forensic teams continue to scour the river for the missing vehicle, which could hold vital clues. The investigation has also revealed that one officer attempted to access a banking app near the Brakfontein interchange, providing a critical timestamp before their disappearance.
R350,000 Reward and Public Appeal
In the wake of the officers’ disappearance, the SAPS offered a “R350,000 reward” for information leading to their whereabouts. Now, with their deaths confirmed, the reward remains in place to identify those responsible. SAPS National spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe urged the public to assist, saying, “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to this case to contact the authorities.”
The investigating officer, Captain Chaacha Manga, can be reached at 082 527-6099. A 24-hour Venue Operational Centre (VOC) has been established to coordinate the investigation and process tips from the public.
Heartbreak for Families and Communities
The confirmation of the officers’ deaths has devastated their families. The Senoge family shared their anguish, saying, “Boipelo is a beloved daughter and sister. We are heartbroken and praying for her safe return. We urge anyone with information to come forward.” Now faced with her loss, they seek answers about what happened that fateful night.
In Bloemfontein, community members gathered outside Park Road police station, where Constable Buys was stationed, to mourn. A local resident said, “This is a bizarre incident. We prayed with the families and hoped for good news, but now we just want justice.” The officers’ colleagues in the SAPS have also expressed grief, with many joining the search efforts in Centurion.
General Masemola met with the families in Pretoria before the mortuary identification, acknowledging their pain. “It is quite difficult for the family. It’s quite difficult for anybody to accept it,” he said, reflecting the nation’s shared sorrow.
Challenges of the Hennops River Search
The Hennops River has long been a perilous site, with a history of accidents and missing persons cases. Its fast-moving waters and rocky terrain posed significant obstacles to the SAPS search and rescue team. Advanced technology, including underwater drones and airwing support, was deployed to locate the bodies and evidence.
The discovery of vehicle parts near a damaged barrier along the N1 suggests a possible crash, but the river’s depth and currents have hindered recovery efforts. General Masemola explained, “Last week Thursday, this river was full. If they were to go in, they would be washed immediately.” The ongoing search for the VW Polo remains a priority, as it could unlock the mystery of the officers’ final moments.
Broader Context: Police Safety in South Africa
The deaths of Constables Cebekhulu, Buys, and Senoge highlight the risks faced by South African police officers. In 2023 alone, over 30 officers were killed in the line of duty, according to SAPS statistics, with many more facing threats off-duty. This tragedy has reignited calls for improved safety measures, including better vehicle tracking and roadside support along major highways like the N1.
The Hennops River itself has a troubling reputation. In 2019, a motorist drowned after their car was swept away during heavy rains, underscoring the need for enhanced infrastructure, such as stronger barriers and warning signs, to prevent similar incidents.
A Nation Mourns and Seeks Justice
The loss of these three young constables has left a void in the SAPS and their communities. General Masemola paid tribute to their service, saying, “These were brave and dedicated members of the SAPS who served their country with honour.” As the investigation continues, the focus remains on finding the VW Polo and determining whether this was a tragic accident or something more sinister.
For now, the families, the SAPS, and South Africans await answers. The “R350,000 reward” stands as a beacon of hope that someone, somewhere, holds the key to justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact Captain Manga at 082 527-6099 and help bring closure to this heartbreaking chapter.
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