Three Contsables Tragedy: Tshwane Emergency Services Department Members Honoured

Pretoria – The City of Tshwane has honoured the members of the Emergency Services Department, who participated in the Hennops River recovery operation in which the bodies of three missing police constables were recovered.

All in all, five bodies, a Renault panel van, and a missing VW Polo, the constables were travelling in, were recovered.

“On Sunday, as we commemorated International Firefighters Day, we paid tribute to the six Tshwane Emergency Services Department personnel who helped in the recovery effort of five bodies at Hennops River,” the City of Tshwane said on Monday, (5 May 2025).

“As residents of Tshwane are all now aware, the search at Hennops River, led by the South African Police Services, was sparked by efforts to find three missing SAPS members.

“The tireless search led to the discovery of the bodies of the three SAPS members, two additional bodies, and two vehicles.”

RELATED: Police Chief General Fannie Masemola Confirms Bodies Found Are Of The 3 Missing Constables – The Bulrushes

The scenes that the country witnessed last week at the Hennops River can only be described as a grave tragedy.

RELATED: Three Constables Tragedy: Police Recover Missing VW Polo From Hennops River – The Bulrushes

“We hope the recovery process will lead to justice and begin the long process of closure for the affected families,” the City of Tshwane said.

“We are honoured as a City to have an Emergency Services Department that is well-equipped and dedicated to its mission to rescue and save lives.

“The City’s International Firefighters Day commemoration event, held at the Kolonnade Retail Park, was a fitting tribute to the men and women who risk their lives to save ours.”

The members who took part in the Hennops River operation are: Company Commander Paul Callumbine, Company Commander Fededrick Pieterse, Leading Firefighter Xolani Nkosi, Leading Firefighter Marcel van Staden, Leading Firefighter Carcel Bothma, and District Commander Jas Kruger.

“Firefighters, your dedication to the profession has not gone unnoticed,” said Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya.

“The Mayoral Executive remains grateful for your skill and determination to serve the City of Tshwane and its people.”