Central SA
Death of three Free State constables mourned widely─── ZENANDE MPAME 06:00 Thu, 01 May 2025
A six-day search of the three Free State police constables ended in tragedy when their bodies were identified by their families.
Const. Linda Cebekhulu (24), Keamogetswe Buys (30), and Boipelo Senoge (20) were identified by the families at the Tshwane mortuary on Tuesday (29/4).
“This is horrible and the worst news ever because we thought that they would be found alive. This is sad for the province and for the Free State Provincial Government, "said Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha Mathae.
“They were young, intelligent people with a bright future. I am emotional because I believed that they would be found alive. It is a sad day for us. As a parent, my heart aches for their parents. I will be visiting the families of the deceased on Friday (2/5).”
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) insists that all investigations into the deaths of the constables must explore every possible angle before drawing any conclusions. “Families deserve fact-based answers, and the policing community deserves lessons that will keep the next shift alive,” said POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya.
“The union expects that no stone will be left unturned, and anticipates investigative efforts such as an in-depth, unredacted post-mortem report, analysis of cell phone data and CCTV footage, and an expansive and ongoing search for eyewitnesses. These constables wore the badge with pride. They were young officers with so much to offer in service to South Africa, and their loss is deeply felt”, he said.
A forensics team was seen at the scene where the bodies of three missing SAPS constables were found. Photo: SABC News.
The DA sent out their condolences to the loved ones and colleagues of three constables, who died on their way to assist with a police operation in another province.
They urged the police, “ to continue doing everything possible to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, "said DA police deputy spokesperson Lisa Schickerling. “We mourn the loss of these dedicated and committed South Africans who were working for our common safety.”
‘Members of the public are urged to respect the process.’
Police minister Senzo Mchunu, urged members of the public to respect the process and allow the police and relevant authorities the space and time they need to conduct their work thoroughly and with the dignity this situation demands.
Mchuni said their thoughts and prayers are also with their colleagues and the broader SAPS family, who have lost not only dedicated teammates but promising young officers who still had so much more to contribute to the service and the nation.
