Johannesburg – Police have revealed that a multi-disciplinary team has been assembled to search for three missing constables and a reward of R350 000 has been offered for information about their whereabouts.
The police officers – 20-year-old Constable Boipelo Senoge, 24-year-old Cebekhulu Linda, and 30-year-old Keamogetswe Buys were travelling from the Free State to Limpopo when they went missing.
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The trio, who were off duty, were traveling in a white VW Polo sedan (registration number JCL 401 FS) from Bloemfontein.
They were last seen on Wednesday, (23 April 2025), at the Engen garage, near the Grasmere toll plaza along the N1.
Two of the three constables are attached to the South African Police Service (SAPS) crime intelligence unit in the Free State and were on detachment duties in Limpopo.
The youngest constable – Senoge – is attached to the Park Road police station and serves in the Community Service Centre, previously known as the charge office.
On Sunday, (27 April 2025), the South African Police Service (SAPS) top brass including National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, Deputy National Commissioner of Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, and the Provincial Commissioner of Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motsweenyane met with the families of the missing constables.
General Masemola said: “We have briefed the family on the high-level investigation that is underway.”
He added: “We are deeply disturbed by the disappearance of our own.
“It is indeed business unusual for us and we will not rest up until we register a breakthrough in this case.
“We are now on day four of our investigation into the disappearance of our three police officers.”
General Masemola said the multi-disciplinary team searching for the missing constables consists of the heads of intelligence and detectives from Limpopo, Free State, and Gauteng.
He said the broader team consists of highly skilled and experienced police officers from various disciplines within the SAPS, these include seasoned expert detectives, crime and counter intelligence operatives, as well as members from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) Tactical Operations and Management Section and other key specialised units including our cybercrime unit.
“We have pulled maximum resources together to find our young police officers safe, unharmed, and alive, and this remains our key focus,” General Masemola.
“The second focus of our investigation is to find those who are behind the disappearance of these members.
“We are so far, quite confident that we have deployed the necessary resources and expertise to ensure that we find our members.
“Our investigation is at a very sensitive and critical stage and at this stage, all information at our disposal is being followed up on and as I address you, I have left this high-level team in Gauteng where they are continuing with the work.”
General Masemola said the police will not allow a situation where criminals have the upper hand.
“We cannot have criminals undermine the authority of the state by kidnapping three police officers.
“This is just a stern warning to those behind this incident, either you hand yourselves over, or we will fetch you ourselves.”
Anyone who has solid and concrete information is advised to contact the investigating officer, Captain Chaacha Manga, on 082 527 6099.
Police said anyone who shares information will remain anonymous, and all information will be treated confidentially.
Commenting on the suspected kidnappings, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said: “We have been briefed by the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, who has assured us that every possible lead is being followed”.
Minister Mchunu said SAPS officials met the families of the missing members.
He said the families will continue to receive support and updates from the police leadership.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time,” Minister Mchunu said.
“These are highly valued members of the South African Police Service.
“We want to express our gratitude for the support from the Premier of the Free State and MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport. We call on the community to assist law enforcement.”
These are our colleagues, our sons and daughters, and we must act as one in ensuring their safe return.
The minister noted that the National Commissioner of SAPS has offered a reward of R350 000 for information that may lead to the whereabouts of the missing constables.
Minister Mchunu said, “No piece of information was too small”.
He added: “We have full confidence in the team set up by the National Commissioner.
“Anyone with information is requested to contact the investigating officer, Captain Chaacha Manga, on 082 527 6099.”
