Bodies of Three Missing South African Police Officers Found in Hennops River Amid Ongoing Investigation

Constable Boipelo Senoge was among the three officers whose bodies were found in the river

South African police are investigating the deaths of three young police constables whose bodies were discovered in the Hennops River, nearly a week after they went missing. The tragic discovery was made alongside two other unidentified bodies, raising serious questions about what led to the deaths of all five individuals.

The deceased officers—Boipelo Senoge, 20, Cebekhulu Linda, 24, and Keamogetswe Buys, 30—were last seen six days earlier at a petrol station near Johannesburg. They were reportedly traveling in a white Volkswagen Polo, heading from Free State to Limpopo when they disappeared. A police statement confirmed that the vehicle’s tracking system and their mobile phones were switched off shortly after their last sighting.

A massive search operation was launched across Gauteng, Free State, and Limpopo provinces. According to National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, the teams worked around the clock until parts of a vehicle believed to be a VW Polo were found. Shortly thereafter, a Renault Kangoo van was discovered near the banks of the Hennops River in the Centurion area.

Divers searched the river and recovered five bodies between Monday and Tuesday. In addition to the three constables, the body of a police administration clerk—who had reportedly been driving the Renault Kangoo—was also retrieved. The fifth body, which was severely decomposed, has yet to be identified.

Keamogetswe Buys (left) and Cebekhulu Linda (right) were last seen a week ago in a white VW Polo

Authorities have not confirmed whether the incident was a hijacking, accident, or murder. Initially treated as a possible case of kidnapping and vehicle hijacking, the case has since taken a broader investigative direction. Police officials have stated they will refrain from speculation until further evidence, including the missing VW Polo, is recovered.

The deaths have sparked national attention and an outpouring of grief. Prayers and support for the officers flooded social media during the search. Following the grim discovery, mourning family members and community members gathered along the Hennops River with candles to pay their respects.

General Masemola addressed the nation, stating, “We don’t want to speculate at this stage what led to the discovery of these bodies in this river, whether it was an accident or not. Our investigation will reveal those aspects once we find their vehicle.” His remarks marked a shift from an earlier, firmer stance in which he warned potential suspects that they would be brought to justice.

The search for the officers’ missing vehicle continues, and authorities remain committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the deaths. The tragic loss of these young police officers has shaken the law enforcement community and the nation at large.