Masemola: Hennops River looks like a ‘killer river’

He confirmed that police are waiting for a full report on the exact cause of the crash.

Masemola addressed mourners at the funeral of Constable Boipelo Senogelo in Bloemfontein on Thursday.

Senogelo (20), along with Constables Linda Cebekhulu (24) and Keamogetswe Buys (30), went missing two weeks ago while travelling from Bloemfontein to their duty station in Limpopo.

READ MORE: Police recover car of deceased constables at Hennops River

After a six-day search, their bodies were recovered from the Hennops River along the N1 in Centurion last week.

During the operation, two additional bodies were also discovered in the same area. The two sets of bodies are not thought to be linked in any way.

“I want to once again thank everyone who took part in the search and rescue operation that led us to finding Constable Senoge and her two colleagues who were travelling with her. You have shown the country and the world what teamwork can do in times of despair and desperation. Thank you to all units, all law enforcement and security companies that were involved in the search and rescue operation,” Masemola told the mourners.

Speaking at the packed Anglican Church in the Free State, Masemola said search efforts will resume once water levels decrease, describing the Hennops River as dangerous.

“After a day or two, the car which they were travelling in was also found in the same Hennops River. There may be some particles that are still outstanding because we have seen that it looks like the Hennops River is a killer river.”

Masemola also expressed the SAPS’s high regard for the young officers, highlighting the loss of potential.

“As the SAPS, we were blessed to have her as a member of our prestigious organisation. Just by answering the call to serve and protect, she was a huge asset, and we looked forward to her growth and success within the organisation.”

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, also speaking at the funeral, criticised the impact of misinformation during the search.

“Throughout this deeply painful process, we worked closely with the families. We have remained in contact with them ever since. At the same time, we ensured the public remained informed of all major developments,” he said.

Mchunu noted that from the start, the SAPS established a 24-hour Venue Operational Centre with teams from Limpopo, Free State, and Gauteng to manage the case with transparency and discipline.

Cebekhulu will be laid to rest on Friday, followed by Buys on Saturday.

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