What started as a desperate search for three missing Free State police officers has taken a harrowing turn, with five bodies now recovered from the Hennops River in Centurion, Gauteng.
Police confirmed late Tuesday that a fifth body – that of a female – had been retrieved from the river, bringing a grim twist to the unfolding investigation into the disappearance of Constable Boipelo Senoge (20), Constable Cebekhulu Linda (24), and Constable Keamogetswe Buys (30).
The trio was last seen in the early hours of Thursday last week at a fuel station near the Grasmere Toll Plaza on the N1 while en route to Limpopo.
They were travelling in a white VW Polo hatchback, registration number JCL 401 FS.
Soon after leaving the filling station, all contact was lost – their cellphones and the vehicle’s tracking system were switched off.
On Tuesday morning, SAPS confirmed that three bodies had been recovered from the Hennops River.
Later that day, a fourth body was pulled from the water.
By Tuesday afternoon, the fifth body had been located, deepening fears that the officers’ disappearance may have ended in tragedy.
Although the identities of the deceased have not yet been officially confirmed, police are working to determine whether the bodies belong to the missing officers.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated:
“We are working with forensic teams to establish the identities. The recovery operation is ongoing, and our search for any other evidence continues.”
Police and private security remain on high alert at the scene, combing the area for clues.
Meanwhile, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has vowed that justice will be served.
Addressing media in Bloemfontein earlier this week, he announced a R350,000 reward for information that could assist in solving the case.
“We will not rest. These are our own members, and we will find whoever is responsible,” he said.
At this stage, it’s unclear how the bodies ended up in the Hennops River or if foul play is involved, but it’s certain the SAPS and the nation are bracing for answers that no one wants to hear.
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