SAPS offer R350,000 reward for info on 3 missing constables

Linda Cebekhulu (24), Keamogetswe Buys (30), and Boipelo Senoge (20) went missing on Thursday while traveling from Bloemfontein to their deployment in Limpopo. 

Their vehicle, a white VW Polo sedan, was last seen at an Engen garage near Grasmere Toll Plaza. According to the police, their cellphones and vehicle tracker were turned off at the Buccleuch interchange.

On Sunday, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, along with Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Shadrack Sibiya, met with the investigative team handling the case.

"We are hopeful, and we will find whoever is behind this. We will not rest. To that end, we are offering a R350,000 reward for any information on the whereabouts of our members and the criminals responsible for their disappearance," said Masemola. 

He reassured the public that any information provided would be treated confidentially, and individuals coming forward would remain anonymous.

While Masemola reassured the families of the missing constables that everything is being done to find them, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae called on the families to trust the police investigation.

"Our role is to support the family and encourage them to trust SAPS, as they are doing their best. We are also trusting them. We are all praying for the safe return of these young constables. We need them back, and as a province, we stand with the families," said Letsoha-Mathae.

The police have also urged the public to use social media responsibly after the reward announcement. 

Masemola confirmed there are currently no leads and emphasised that law enforcement is not speculating on the reason for the officers' disappearance. 

He stated that the focus remains on finding the officers, and measures will be put in place to enhance the safety of officers traveling across provinces.

"The priority now is to find our members. We are utilizing all available resources to ensure their safe return," he added.

Detectives and crime intelligence officers from both Gauteng and the Free State have been mobilised, and a 24-hour Venue Operational Centre has been established to coordinate the search efforts.

Meanwhile, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has expressed full support for the investigation, urging the community to assist law enforcement.

"We call on the community to help. No piece of information is too small. These are our colleagues, our sons and daughters, and we must unite to ensure their safe return," said Mchunu’s spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi.

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