In a heartbreaking development, the police have recovered three bodies, two of which are believed to be those of three officers who vanished last week while travelling from Bloemfontein to Polokwane.
The officers, identified as constables Cebekhulu Linda, Keamogetswe Buys, and Boipelo Senoge, were reported missing last Wednesday, sparking a frantic search and a R350 000 reward for information on their whereabouts.
They were driving a white VW Polo sedan (registration JCL 401 FS) when they were last spotted at an Engen garage close to the Grasmere toll plaza on the N1 highway.
On Tuesday, the police confirmed that their investigation had led them to the Hennops River along the N1 in Centurion, where three bodies have been found. While the police have only confirmed finding the three bodies, there were conflicting reports about a fourth body being found there as well.
Two bodies of the three missing cops and two other unknown victims. However, police only confirmed three bodies being found, one unknown and two missing cops.
There may have been two cars and another body, according to the police, who reported that they discovered another car on Monday near the river’s banks.
Three bodies found in the river, search continues
National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said police found three bodies in the Hennops River in Centurion along the N1. She said the identities of the three bodies 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,” said Mathe.
“The SAPS confirms that its investigation has brought it to the Hennops River in Centurion along the N1 highway. We have three bodies so far that 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,” said Mathe.
Mathe said two bodies were discovered on Monday and one body was recovered on Tuesday.
She said from the three bodies found, two are men and one is female. Mathe said police are still searching for the other female body.
Travelling from Bloemfontein
She said police were still searching for the white VW Polo that the three police constables were travelling in from Bloemfontein. They were travelling to their area of deployment in Limpopo last week Wednesday.
Mathe said police found a Renault Kangoo panel van in the Hennops River.
She said the family members of the three missing police constables will be meeting with national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola on Tuesday at different mortuaries to identify the bodies found.
Prior to making an announcement, police contacted the families to come identify the bodies. They also needed to verify that they are indeed their beloved missing relatives.
Commissioner points to growing trend
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola addressed the media on Sunday. He spoke at the Park Road police station in Bloemfontein and expressed grave concern over what seems to be a concerning trend.
“It is a growing trend; people disappear, but there are those that we have found. Remember, there was a pastor in the Free State who disappeared but was found,” Masemola said.
“Recently, there was also a pastor in Nelson Mandela Bay who was kidnapped. He was found after being taken by criminals.
“Yes, it is a growing trend where people are being kidnapped for ransom or whatever. But in this case, there is nothing yet; we don’t know what is happening.”
The country is in mourning for the loss of these devoted public servants following the tragic discovery.
Both the public and law enforcement community were shocked by the discovery. They had hoped that the officers would return safely.
A third body and another white VW Polo that the officers were not in were also discovered. This happened as the search continued into Tuesday morning.
Police quickly blocked off the area along the N1 highway in order to protect the evidence. This was to also enable forensic investigations.
Investigations are continuing
Authorities have a strong suspicion that the bodies are those of the missing constables. This as their identities have not yet been formally confirmed.
When they vanished, the officers were on their way from Bloemfontein for deployment. They were all based in Limpopo.
An extensive search was conducted after their abrupt disappearance. Police later requested assistance from the public.
The cause of death and possible suspects have not yet been made public by police. However, investigations are still underway.
The incident has sparked new conversations about police officers’ safety. Law enforcement officers frequently encounter serious dangers while performing their duties.
Police are trying to find the motive behind this tragic loss, and have asked anyone with information to come forward.
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