BLOEMFONTEIN: The national police has stated that it was not possible to provide a timeframe for the completion of the investigations into the deaths of constables: Keamogetswe Buys (30), Boipelo Senoge (20) and Cebekhulu Linda (24). Brig. Athlenda Mathe, national police spokesperson, cited the nature of the outstanding reports and the sensitivity in a statement released on Monday, 29 September.
The officers reportedly went missing on 23 April and were traveling in a Volkswagen Polo, which was recovered in the the Hennops River along the N1 in Centurion. They were recovered following an intensive search.
“The investigation remains active. What can be confirmed is that the matter is progressing, and all necessary expertise is being applied to ensure a thorough and credible outcome. The police and private specialists have submitted reports as prescribed.”
“Preliminary post-mortem reports have been received, but the final reports, which will include blood alcohol results, toxicology and histology, are still awaited. These findings are critical before the investigation can be concluded,” said Mathe.
Their disappearance started as a suspected hijacking and kidnapping case.
“The SAPS remains committed to finalising this investigation with the required diligence; mindful of the sensitivity of the case for the families, colleagues and the public. In addition, analysis of physical evidence is still underway. This process is complex, as the SAPS relies on external specialists for certain examinations.”
“While the police accident expert report has been finalised, it is not in itself conclusive. The outcome of this investigation depends on a combination of all expert findings,” said Mathe.
The officers had been travelling from Bloemfontein to their area of deployment in Limpopo when they went missing. The official funerals took place on separate dates between 8 and 10 May.
