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What began as a search for a missing employee at the Lyttelton police station in Centurion has ended in tragedy with the discovery of five bodies, including those of three young police constables. Among them was Constable Keamogetswe Buys, whose funeral was held on Saturday in Bloemfontein.
The harrowing discovery unfolded after police began investigating the disappearance of a staff member from the Centurion station. Authorities were led to the banks of the Hennops River thanks to a tracking device worn by the missing employee. Once search teams arrived, they stumbled upon a chilling scene: the bodies of three police constables, the missing staff member, and an additional unidentified individual.
The constables—Keamogetswe Buys, Cebekhulu Linda, and Boipela Senoge—had reportedly been traveling together from the Free State to Limpopo when their journey took a tragic turn. It is believed their vehicle veered off course and plunged into the Hennops River in April. The car was later found submerged, along with their bodies.
Speaking at Buys’s funeral, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola shared more details about the search and the timeline of the recovery efforts. He emphasized the vital role the tracking device played in locating the vehicle and the deceased officers.
“The search continued until we found all three constables,” Masemola stated. “First, the car was found. Then Buys was located the following day. The rear portion of the vehicle was recovered a day after that. These discoveries gave us clarity on how the tragedy occurred.”
Masemola further explained that the positioning of the bodies aligned with the assumed seating arrangement in the vehicle. “Constable Senoge was reportedly driving. Linda was seated in the front passenger seat, and Buys was in the back. That is why the two were found first, and Buys was located afterward.”
Tragedy in Centurion: Missing Police Officer Search Uncovers Bodies of Three employee
The Commissioner commended the search teams for their persistence and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He also called for patience as investigations into the incident continue.
The story has drawn public attention not only because of the tragic loss of three serving officers, but also due to the mystery surrounding the circumstances of their deaths and the presence of two additional bodies—one being the missing station employee and another yet to be identified.
In the days following the discovery, speculation has swirled about the possible causes of the accident. Some theories suggested foul play, while others questioned the roadworthiness of the vehicle and the safety of the route. However, Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane and other senior officials have cautioned against spreading unverified information. They emphasized that a full forensic investigation is underway to determine what led to the fatal plunge.
Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale also commented on the tragic event, expressing deep sorrow and emphasizing the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth. “We owe it to these young officers and their families to find answers,” he said. “They served their country with pride, and they deserve justice.”
Constable Buys, remembered by colleagues as vibrant, dedicated, and full of potential, had served with distinction at the Lyttelton police station. Friends and family at her funeral described her as someone who had always wanted to wear the badge and who embraced the responsibility of policing with compassion and courage.
“She had dreams of rising through the ranks and making a lasting impact in her community,” said one colleague. “We are devastated by her loss and the loss of her fellow officers.”
Meanwhile, the police have not yet released the identity of the fifth body found at the scene, pending further investigation and DNA confirmation. The process is expected to take several weeks.
Authorities have also indicated that road and river conditions in the area will be re-examined to determine whether environmental or structural factors contributed to the tragedy. Safety audits may be conducted on commonly traveled police routes to prevent future accidents of this nature.
As the families of Constables Bys, Linda, and Senoge mourn their loss, the nation watches closely for answers. Their tragic deaths have cast a somber cloud over the policing community and reignited discussions about officer safety, especially during interprovincial travel.
For now, South Africa remembers the lives and service of three young officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, while the search for truth and accountability continues.