Three SAPS Officers Found Dead in Hennops River—Tragic Crash or Unanswered Questions?
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has ruled out foul play in the deaths of three young police constables whose bodies were discovered inside a submerged vehicle in the Hennops River, Centurion, last week.
Constables Boipelo Senoge, Cebekhulu Linda, and Keamogetswe Buys were last seen on April 23, 2025, while traveling from Bloemfontein to Limpopo. Their disappearance triggered growing concern until their VW Polo was found in the river, prompting a grim recovery operation.
Initial investigations suggest the vehicle veered off the N1 highway during a heavy storm, rolled, and crashed into the river. Authorities believe speeding could have played a role in the accident. Importantly, no gunshot wounds or other signs of trauma were found on the bodies, and the officers were not known to be involved in sensitive or high-risk investigations.
Deputy Police Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya addressed the media, stating, “There is no evidence pointing to foul play. All indications suggest a tragic accident.” He emphasized that the constables were not targets, adding to the likelihood of the incident being accidental.
However, not everyone is convinced. A highway patrol officer who assisted at the scene raised doubts over the absence of common crash indicators—such as scattered vehicle debris, skid marks, or emergency calls. These details have sparked public curiosity and speculation, especially given the nature and position of the wreckage.
Forensic teams continue to examine the vehicle and the surrounding area to confirm the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. Meanwhile, families, colleagues, and communities mourn the loss of three promising officers, whose deaths have left an emotional void within SAPS ranks.
While official reports lean toward accident, the unanswered questions surrounding the crash ensure this case will remain under a watchful public eye.
