A somber atmosphere enveloped the Grassland Hall in Bloemfontein on Saturday (10/5), as mourners gathered to bid farewell to the late Const. Keamokgetswe Buys. The young officer was among three police members whose bodies were recovered from the Hennops River in Centurion two weeks ago, following a tragic car accident.

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, alongside Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, and Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Mbalula. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

The funeral service was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Mbalula, and National Police Commissioner, Gen. Fannie Masemola.

Gen. Fannie Masemola, alongside national and provincial police deputy commissioners. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

Speaking at the funeral, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae made a heartfelt appeal to communities to forge stronger relationships with the police, emphasising the role of unity in the fight against crime.

“It’s my hope that one day, when this nightmare is a distant memory, the people in our province will appreciate the three officers for their gallant efforts to keep us all safe,” said Letsoha-Mathae. 

“We will hopefully realise that theirs was the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of South Africa and its people. It’s my wish that, with these deaths, our people will form strong relationships with the police and realise that men and women in blue are not our enemies, not anymore. Working together, we can eliminate criminalities in our communities.”

Letsoha-Mathae commended law enforcement officers across the country, acknowledging the risks they face daily to protect the public.

“While many of us are sleeping, women and men in blue continue to keep the streets safe, even in dangerous situations,” she said.

The deceased’s grieving husband, Linda Diba, spoke tenderly about their life together and the love they shared, especially with their child.

“I know that wherever she is, she is smiling and looking over us,” he said.

Gen. Masemola set the record straight on speculation surrounding the cause of the officers’ deaths, emphasising that all three had died in a car accident. He explained that Const. Senoge, who was driving, and sitting in front with Const. Linda, was found in the front section of the vehicle, which was discovered first. The back portion of the vehicle, where Const. Buys was seated, was recovered later, several kilometres away.

The coffin of Const. Buys was carried by colleagues at the Grassland Hall in Bloemfontein. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

Const. Buys’ official funeral was a tribute to a life of service, a poignant reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers, and a call to action for communities to stand united against crime. 

She, remembered for her dedication and bravery, was laid to rest at Thaba Nchu cemeteries a day before Mother’s Day and a day after her colleague Const. Linda’s burial. 

Const. Senoge was laid to rest earlier, on Thursday.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg