CENTURION – A grim discovery has been made in the Hennops River in Centurion, Tshwane, where the bodies of three individuals, believed to be those of the three missing police constables who vanished en route to Polokwane last week, have been recovered. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been conducting an intense search operation since the disappearance of the officers, and the recovery of the bodies marks a tragic turn in the investigation.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the discovery of the bodies at the Hennops River in Centurion. "The SAPS confirms that its investigation has brought it to the Hennops River in Centurion along the N1," she said. "We have three bodies so far whose identities are yet to be confirmed – we are searching for another body and for any other evidence that will assist us in concluding the case of the missing police officers."
A police source at the scene described it as "very active with police, divers, choppers and emergency services." Sowetan has been reliably informed that the families of the three police officers have been called into a meeting to assist with the identification process.
Mathe acknowledged the difficult circumstances, stating: "It is difficult for us, the general commissioner Fannie Masemola has sent a team to fetch the families of these three police officers, but we have not identified who these three bodies are, there are still processes are underway."
Earlier reports indicated that four bodies had been retrieved from the Hennops River, with police initially believing that two were linked to the missing SAPS members. However, deputy national police commissioner for crime detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, clarified that one of the bodies found was of a "white person" and unrelated to the case. "As you can see, we have an intense search and rescue. We had two helicopters flying yesterday when we found some bodies. I can tell you now, when we talk about bodies, it does not necessarily mean those of the (SAPS) members," said Sibiya. "So far we have four bodies, and two are unrelated to this situation that we are investigating."
The discovery of the bodies has prompted an outpouring of grief and concern. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, speaking on the sidelines of a gender-based violence case in the Richmond Magistrates Court, called for public sensitivity around the case. "The police will make a firm and clear announcement once they have verified everything. If it turns out that it is those constables, we are very very saddened," he said.
Lwazi Thepa, the husband of missing police constable Keamogetswe Buys, joined families of the other missing police officers and the SAPS in appealing for their safe return prior to the discovery. "I believe the national commissioner and his team are doing everything to bring them back, alive. That is all I pray for. Just bring back my wife alive. Thank you," Thepa addressed a media briefing in Bloemfontein.
Constable Linda was represented at the media briefing by his uncle Sipho Linda, who also appealed for the police officers' return. "We just want to appeal to the public out there that as the national commissioner and the premier have indicated, anybody with information, nothing happens unnoticed nowadays, somebody must have seen something, somebody must know something. Consider these your kids as well. They were doing a job to protect the community. They were there to serve you," the uncle pleaded.
Constable Senoge's father, Paul Senoge also added his voice to the plea. "We are only appealing for the children to be returned. Probably it was a hijacking of the vehicle, please allow us to see our family members. If you were close, or if you know anything that happened, please go to the police station near you and report," he said.
The three police officers were travelling in the same vehicle, a Volkswagen Polo, when they vanished with the hatchback. The trio's last known location was the Engen fuel station in Gauteng, on the N1 on Thursday. When the vehicle they were travelling in left the fuel station, the vehicle tracking device and cellphones were switched off.
The case has also drawn attention to the unresolved disappearance of Pretoria-based journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli, missing since February. The African Media and Communicators Forum said the extensive search is still on for Ndlovu and Mdhluli.
As the investigation continues, the SAPS is urging anyone with information to contact Captain Chaacha Manga on 082 527 6099. The families of the missing constables, and the entire nation, await further updates as authorities work to piece together the events leading to this tragic outcome.
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