A wave of sorrow swept through Bobbies Park in Bloemfontein on Tuesday (6/5) as hundreds gathered to honour the lives of Consts Cebekhulu Linda, Keamogetswe Buys, and Boipelo Senoge, whose bodies were recovered from the Hennops River in Centurion after they were reported missing during a police deployment trip. 

The emotional memorial service was attended by officials, including Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, National Police Commissioner Gen. Fanie Masemola, his deputy, Lt. Gen. Shadrack Sibiya, Deputy Minister of Police Polly Shela Boshielo, MECs, and Free State Legislature Speaker Mxolisi Dukwana. 

Memorial service of three constables held at Bobbies park in Bloemfontein. Photo: Kekekeletso Mosebetsi

Colleagues, family members, and friends of the deceased officers also paid their respects.

A visibly moved Letsoha-Mathae described the tragedy as “a deep wound” not only for the province but for the entire nation. 

“The death of the three police constables whose bodies were recovered from the Hennops River in Centurion, Gauteng, has left serious pain in the hearts of many people in the province and the whole country,” she said.

Father of Constable Linda, Sipho Linda and husband of late Constable Buys, Lwazi Zano. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

Letsoha-Mathae said her heart sank because she could not bear to think about what the three families were going through. She said the death of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. 

Unfortunately for the Senoge, Cebekhulu and Buys families, their nightmare had now become a reality as their children were gone and may never return.

Fighting back tears, she added: “It still feels unreal that, in the blink of an eye, the lives of three of our brightest stars were snuffed out.”

Letsoha-Mathae emphasised that the trio were not ordinary officers, but individuals who had already proven their excellence and promise within the police service.

“Much was expected from the three officers, and rightly so. In a short period of time with the South African Police Service, they demonstrated commitment and unrivalled capacity. 

Colleagues of three fallen police constables attending the memorial service at Bobbies Park. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

“It was little wonder that they were drafted into crime intelligence… That is why this loss is hard to swallow. The pain is really unbearable.”

Recently, the Free State laid to rest several members of the South African Defence Force. Letsoha-Mathae remarked that the province had barely begun to recover from one tragedy before being confronted with another.

OFM News previously reported that the three constables disappeared on April 24 en route from Bloemfontein to Limpopo. Their disappearance sparked national concern and a search that tragically ended when their submerged vehicle was discovered in the Hennops River.

Sipho Linda, father of Constable Linda, shared the torment felt by the families. He said they still have questions as to what might have taken place in the event leading to the death of three officers, including my son.

Despite the pain, three families expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by the public, the police leadership, and Letsoha-Mathae.

Fellow officers and relatives remembered the fallen as respectful, joyful individuals who brought light and positivity to those around them. They were seen as more than colleagues, they were family.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh