KEY POINTS
-
Gauteng police recovered the VW Polo of three missing constables from the Hennops River, with forensic analysis underway to determine the crash’s cause.
-
Families and political groups demand transparency, criticizing delayed safety measures on the accident-prone R511 bridge linked to multiple drownings.
-
The officers’ deaths highlight systemic risks faced by junior police personnel, prompting calls for improved welfare and travel protocols.
Gauteng police have retrieved the wreckage of a Volkswagen Polo from the Hennops River in Centurion, Tshwane, confirming it as the vehicle carrying three missing constables whose bodies were discovered earlier this week.
The officers—Linda Cebekhulu (24), Boipelo Senoge (24), and Keamogetswe Buys (30)—vanished on April 23 while traveling from Bloemfontein to Limpopo. Their bodies, recovered on April 28, were formally identified by grieving families on Tuesday.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, addressing media at the scene, stated, “The vehicle’s recovery marks a critical step in piecing together the circumstances of this tragedy. Forensic teams are analyzing the wreckage to determine if mechanical failure, foul play, or environmental factors caused the crash.”
The car, found submerged near a collapsed section of the R511 bridge, showed signs of significant impact, with debris scattered across the riverbed.
Families demand answers
The constables’ disappearance sparked a week-long search involving divers, K9 units, and community volunteers. Their families, initially hopeful for a rescue, now seek clarity on how the officers’ routine transfer turned fatal. Cebekhulu’s father, Sipho, earlier told SowetanLIVE, “My daughter was dedicated to serving her country. We need justice, not just closure.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have joined calls for transparency, urging authorities to expedite the probe. “No family should endure such uncertainty. We demand accountability for systemic failures in officer safety protocols,” said EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys.
Sowetanlive reports that the tragedy has reignited debates over police welfare, particularly for junior officers often assigned long-distance duties without adequate support.
Meanwhile, experts highlighted the Hennops River’s notorious reputation for flash floods and poor infrastructure. A 2023 SA Road Federation report flagged the R511 bridge for lacking guardrails, linking it to six drownings since 2020. “This stretch is a death trap. Immediate upgrades are non-negotiable,” argued civil engineer Thabo Mokoena.
