Families of fallen constables question police’s version of events

April 30, 2025 137

The family of one of the three Free State police constables, whose bodies were found in the Hennops River in Centurion, have expressed unhappiness in how the case has been handled.

Constables Cebekhulu Linda, Keamogetswe Buys and Boipelo Senoge went missing last week Thursday, as they travelled from Bloemfontein to Limpopo where they were deployed as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.

While preliminary findings say they could have been in an accident, their vehicle a white VW TSI Polo is yet to be found, sparking questions as to whether there is something amiss in the entire saga.

Linda’s aunt, Noni Molemela, says as much as they are relieved to have closure after finding their child’s body, there’s still much more to the tale.

Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has now called on the public to refrain from creating theories about the deaths of the constables, urging people to be more sensitive.

His remarks were in response to South Africans’ concerns over the discrepancies in the case, including the timelines of the vehicle’s movement.

Some South Africans have also questioned how the junior police officers were sent to the operation on their own, without any senior official with them.

National police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, dispelled rumours that there’s many inconsistencies in the case.

In a shocking twist in the tale, two other bodies in the river, one of them being that of a police administration clerk from Lyttleton Police Station, who was also missing.

The South African Police Union (SAPU) says the missing vehicle that the deceased constables were travelling in could be key in uncovering what really happened.

SAPU spokesperson, Lesiba Thobakgale, has described the loss of the constables as a deeply saddening moment for the police service.

South Africans are also left with more questions than answers.

So the car that could lead to “the what exactly happened scenario is missing? How bafethu ? These people were abducted, killed someone and dumped by the river banks and car taken to conceal ubufakazi. As I am talking it has crossed the Moz or Zimbabwe borders .
” Hennops River “

— She (@Thegoons457) April 30, 2025

The recent incident in Hennops River highlights the bravery & sacrifices made by SA’s men & women in blue. 🇿🇦 Our thoughts are with them as they continue their vital work. #PoliceBravery

— Zukhanye Biyo (@ZukhanyeBi83679) April 30, 2025

Hennops river. Now, criminals will find a new way of hiding their criminal activities by dumping us in the rivers. A tool that up until now has been known to the few. A country of copycat. We are screwed.

— GogAyaya (@nomfiso22) April 30, 2025

It’s heartbreaking to hear about the bodies found in Hennops River. Hoping the investigation sheds light on what happened and that those responsible are held accountable. Stay strong, families

— Mpho Baloyi (@BaloyiMpho70850) April 30, 2025

Can you explain why the police officers were at the Hennops river according to Tracker at approx 5 am on Thursday morning. It wasn’t raining. The 4th policeman land up at that bridge when he was tracked near the WaterKloof area instead on Saturday morning. And it wasn’t raining.

— 🇿🇦El🇿🇦 (@El123V) April 30, 2025