The families of three Free State constables, whose lives were tragically cut short, have embarked on a deeply spiritual journey, performing traditional rituals at the Hennops River accident site to honour their loved ones and guide their spirits. This poignant act of remembrance and closure follows the retrieval of the constables’ bodies from the Pretoria Central Mortuary, marking a somber yet significant step in the grieving process.
Constables Keamogetswe Buys, Boipelo Senoge, and Cebekhulu Linda, who had been missing for several days, were recovered from the Hennops River in Centurion earlier this week, leaving their families and the nation in mourning. The rituals performed at the accident scene are a testament to the enduring cultural beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife in many South African communities.
A Somber Journey to the Pretoria Central Mortuary
The families, who had travelled from Bloemfontein and Thaba Nchu, were met with a respectful silence as they entered the mortuary. An official involved in the process explained the sensitive nature of the task ahead: “They will be taken for a very short briefing, and then they will identify the bodies to avoid any mistakes.”
Mortuary staff had meticulously prepared the bodies, ensuring that the identification process was carried out with the utmost dignity. Each family was led to a private room where personal belongings and physical features confirmed the identities of their loved ones. For many, it was a moment filled with mixed emotions – relief that their loved ones had been found, but also overwhelming sorrow at the finality of their loss.
The father of Constable Senoge, his voice filled with grief, shared his feelings with reporters: “She was a friend. I’m relieved that her body has been found, but we need the investigation to continue so we can understand what really happened.” This sentiment was echoed by other family members, who expressed their determination to uncover the truth behind the tragic events.
Rituals to Guide the Spirits Home
Following the retrieval of the bodies, the families embarked on a deeply spiritual journey to the accident site along the Hennops River in Centurion. There, they performed traditional rituals aimed at bringing the spirits of the deceased constables home, a practice deeply rooted in many South African cultures.
In many African communities, including those in South Africa, death is not seen as an end but rather as a transition to the afterlife. When someone dies suddenly, particularly under mysterious or violent circumstances, it is believed that their spirit may linger at the place of death, unable to find peace or move on. To address this, families often perform specific rituals designed to guide the spirit, cleanse the area, and prevent any further harm or unrest.
These rituals can vary depending on the specific cultural traditions and beliefs of the community, but they often share common elements. Prayers are recited, invoking the ancestors and seeking their guidance and protection. Incense is burned to purify the air and create a sacred atmosphere. Offerings, such as food, drink, or symbolic objects, may be left at the site as a sign of respect and appeasement.
In some cases, the rituals may involve specific instructions or requests directed to the spirit of the deceased. These instructions might include asking the spirit to forgive any wrongdoings, to release any anger or resentment, and to peacefully transition to the afterlife. In other instances, the rituals may involve a call for justice, urging the spirit to seek revenge on those responsible for their death.
These rituals are not merely symbolic gestures; they are deeply ingrained in the cultural and spiritual beliefs of many African communities especially in Southern-Africa. They provide a way for families to cope with grief, find closure, and maintain a connection with their loved ones who have passed on. Despite the country’s predominantly Christian orientation, these traditional practices continue to be observed, often alongside Christian funeral services and memorial ceremonies.
The rituals performed at the Hennops River accident site were particularly poignant, given the circumstances surrounding the constables’ deaths. The families sought to ensure that the spirits of their loved ones would find peace and not be trapped or disturbed by the tragic events that had unfolded.
A family member from the Linda household confirmed their plans, noting that some relatives would hold a brief memorial in Pretoria before heading to the river. The SAPS has arranged support for this process, ensuring the families can carry out their traditions respectfully.
Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo was present at the site, offering comfort and support to the grieving families. The sight of the riverbank – where their children’s lives had tragically ended – brought tears and renewed grief, yet the rituals offered a path towards healing and acceptance.
A Tragic Incident Unfolds: The Search for Answers
The breakthrough came days later when search and rescue teams, aided by drones and divers, recovered five bodies from the Hennops River. Three were identified as the missing constables, while a fourth was a SAPS employee from Lyttelton police station, and the fifth remains unidentified. The discovery followed heavy rains that swelled the river, complicating efforts to locate the vehicle.
Police found parts of the VW Polo – bumpers and a grille – near a damaged embankment along the N1, suggesting the car had crashed into the river. National Commissioner Masemola briefed the media, stating, “We found pieces of vehicle parts believed to be of a Volkswagen Polo along the N1 next to the bridge.” The vehicle itself, however, remains missing, swept away by the river’s strong currents.
The constables’ last movements were traced to 12:12 a.m. on Thursday, 24 April, when their tracker signal was lost near the Brakfontein Interchange. Questions linger about how the car ended up in the river, with families pressing for clarity on conflicting tracker data suggesting activity until 5 a.m.
A Nationwide Search Effort: Community and Police Unite
The disappearance of the constables sparked a massive response from SAPS, involving detectives, crime intelligence, and airwing units across Gauteng, Free State, and Limpopo. The search focused on the N1 highway after the constables’ last sighting in Lenasia. Divers braved the Hennops River’s depths, recovering the first two bodies on Monday, followed by a third on Tuesday morning.
By Tuesday afternoon, 29 April, all three constables were accounted for, though the vehicle’s absence raised concerns. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe noted, “Our police divers have been hard at work. They’ve now made the discovery of a fifth body, but the vehicle has not been found as yet.” The operation also uncovered a Renault Kangoo van downstream, revealing another victim – a Lyttelton SAPS employee – unconnected to the constables’ case.
The Hennops River, notorious for accidents during heavy rain, has a grim reputation. Its fast-moving waters and hidden debris often trap vehicles and bodies, making recovery a daunting task. This history added urgency to the search, as teams worked tirelessly to bring answers to the families.
Ongoing Investigation: Unanswered Questions and the Pursuit of Truth
SAPS is investigating the deaths as a culpable homicide case, though foul play hasn’t been ruled out. General Masemola stressed, “We do not want to speculate at this stage. The investigation will reveal what has happened once we find the vehicle.” Theories range from a road accident – possibly due to rain-slicked roads – to something more sinister, given the officers’ anti-mining assignment.
The discovery of two additional bodies has fuelled speculation. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) called it “deeply concerning,” urging a transparent probe into a possible “pattern of violence.” Police, however, see no link between the cases at this stage, noting the fifth body’s decomposed state suggests it predates the incident.
A Community in Mourning: Remembering the Fallen
The loss of Constables Buys, Senoge, and Linda has left a void in the SAPS and their communities. Colleagues described them as dedicated officers. Senoge, stationed at Park Road in Bloemfontein, was a “rising star,” while Buys brought expertise from recent training, and Linda excelled in community policing.
Official funerals are set for 8-10 May 2025, honouring their service. Constable Senoge’s funeral is scheduled for 8 May at St Peter Anglican Church in Rocklands, Mangaung, followed by burial at South Park Cemetery. Linda’s will occur on 9 May in Magengenene, Mangaung, and Buys’ on 10 May in Thaba Nchu, with venues still to be confirmed. A memorial service is planned for 6 May at Bobbiespark in Bloemfontein.
The Free State Provincial Government and SAPS have pledged support, offering counselling and logistical aid. Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane met with families to coordinate the tributes. The police community has rallied, with vigils held in Bloemfontein and Centurion.
A Nation United in Grief: Seeking Closure and Justice
As the families prepare to lay their loved ones to rest, the rituals at the Hennops River mark a poignant step towards closure. Yet, many questions remain unanswered. The missing VW Polo holds critical clues, and SAPS vows to continue the search and investigation until the full story emerges.
This tragedy underscores the risks police officers face, even off-duty, and the strength of South African communities in times of loss. As the nation mourns, the memory of these young constables will endure through the rituals, funerals, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.
A Reminder of Water Safety
In light of this tragic event, it is important to remember the dangers posed by rivers and streams, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Just three weeks ago, the Department of Water and Sanitation urged people planning to perform religious or traditional rituals in rivers and streams to suspend such activities – particularly over the Easter period.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina also echoed the call for caution: “We also want to urge those who have spiritual and ritual activities that they do in the rivers and dams to please, at this particular moment, move away and try to suspend them a little bit. We are not insensitive, but we are more concerned about the loss of lives. Because they are going to be washed away, they are going to be drowned.”
The Hennops River, with its fast-moving currents and hidden debris, has claimed many lives over the years. It is crucial to exercise caution and heed warnings from authorities, especially during times of inclement weather.
Timeline of Events:
- 23 April 2025: Constables leave Bloemfontein for Limpopo, last seen at Grasmere Toll Plaza.
- 24 April 2025: Reported missing; tracker signal lost at 12:12 a.m. near Brakfontein Interchange.
- 27 April 2025: Search intensifies along N1 and Hennops River.
- 28 April 2025: Two bodies recovered from the river.
- 29 April 2025: Third, fourth, and fifth bodies found; families identify the constables at the mortuary and visit the accident site.
- 8-10 May 2025: Official funerals for the three constables.
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