Calling for Public Assistance in Locating Missing Police Officers and Ensuring Justice

MEDIA STATEMENT

Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday 29 April 2025 – Public Interest SA expresses grave concern over the disappearance of three South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and joins the call for urgent public assistance in locating the missing members and apprehending those responsible for this deeply troubling incident.

Constables Linda Cebekhulu (24), Keamogetswe Buys (30), and Boipelo Senoge (20) were last seen on Tuesday, 23 April 2025, at the Engen service station near the Grasmere toll plaza along the N1 highway. The three officers, who were off duty at the time, were travelling in a white Volkswagen Polo sedan (registration number JCL 401 FS) from Bloemfontein to Limpopo, where they had been deployed. Since that day, all attempts to contact them or trace their vehicle have proven unsuccessful.

The South African Police Service has since mobilised investigative teams and announced a R350,000 reward for information that leads to the recovery of the officers or the arrest and successful prosecution of those behind their disappearance.

“We are deeply distressed by this incident and urge all South Africans to stand in solidarity with the families and colleagues of the missing officers,” said Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA. “This is not only an attack on members of the police service but on the very fabric of our democracy and our collective sense of safety and accountability. We call on communities across the country to assist the SAPS by reporting any information that could help bring these officers home and ensure that justice is served. If ever there was a clarion call for whistleblowing, this tragic incident serves as a compelling reminder for all South Africans to act with courage and integrity by coming forward with any information that could assist in locating the missing officers and ensuring that justice prevails.”

Public Interest SA further commends the national police leadership for prioritising the investigation and engaging directly with the affected families. We reiterate the importance of transparency, urgency, and victim support in this critical time.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Tip-offs may be made anonymously and will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

We call on all members of society, civil society organisations, community leaders, and the media to amplify this appeal and help return Constables Cebekhulu, Buys, and Senoge to their families. Let us act in unity and conscience, for silence and inaction are not options when lives and justice hang in the balance.

UPDATE 16:00 29 APRIL 2025

Public Interest SA joins the nation in mourning the tragic deaths of Constables Linda Cebekhulu (24), Keamogetswe Buys (30), and Boipelo Senoge (20), whose bodies were among the five recently discovered in the Hennops River in Centurion. The three constables, who were reported missing on 23 April 2025, have now been positively identified by their families.

We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues of these brave public servants. This harrowing development is not only a loss to their loved ones and the South African Police Service, but to the entire nation which they served with dedication.

We commend the SAPS leadership for prioritising this case and urge them to spare no effort in pursuing justice. We note that investigations are ongoing and that the white VW Polo sedan (registration number JCL 401 FS), in which the constables were travelling, is still missing.

As Public Interest SA, we reiterate our call to members of the public to come forward with any information that may assist law enforcement in locating the vehicle, identifying the perpetrators, and bringing them to justice. No detail is too small. A reward of R350,000 remains on offer for information that leads to a breakthrough in this case.

If ever there was a time to blow the whistle, this is it. Let us stand together to honour the memory of Constables Cebekhulu, Buys, and Senoge by doing what is right and just. Silence must not be an option.

#JusticeForOurConstables#BlowTheWhistle

ENDS

Issued by: 

Public Interest SA 

Media Liaison: media@publicinterest.org.za