BLOEMFONTEIN - The Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, during the joint memorial service of the three South African Police Service Constables that took place on Wednesday, described the tragic loss as a horrifying nightmare that had become a devastating reality.

It was a solemn day for the men and women in blue, their emotions running high as grief-stricken friends and families cried without end.

The Bobbies Park Hall in Bloemfontein was packed to capacity and the atmosphere was thick with sorrow as colleagues, friends and families of Constables Keamogetswe Buys (30), Cebekhulu Linda (24) and Boipelo Senoge (20) gathered in full support at the joint memorial service.

The lifeless bodies of the constables were found in the Hennops River in Centurion, together with two other unnamed persons.

The police had initially said they were investigating a case of hijacking, but now cannot speculate whether the deaths are accidental.

The memorial service was attended by high-ranking officials which amongst others include Deputy Minister of Police, Shela Boshielo, Letsoha-Mathae, Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, and the members of the provincial executive committee. 

During her keynote address, Letsoha-Mathae expressed her gratitude to the people of South Africa for supporting families of the fallen heroes who dedicated their lives to serving the country.

Letsoha-Mathae said that it is not only the families who have lost loved ones, but the province and the whole country.

“When the news of their disappearance first broke, we all had hope that they would be found alive.

“We believed that they would come out and tell us that they were perfectly fine and not to worry. “ That is what we were hoping for.

Sadly, our worst nightmare became reality on Tuesday, May 29.

Deputy Minister of Police, Shela Boshielo comforting Letsoha-Mathae during the service. PHOTO: Baagedi Setlhora

“My heart sank because I could not bear to think what the bereaved families were going through, because the death of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare.

“Unfortunately for the Senoge, Buys, and Linda families, their worst nightmare has now become a reality, said the premier.

She also mentioned that in the short period with the SAPS, the three officers demonstrated commitment and unrivalled capacity.

“ Much was expected from them because in this short period, they were drafted into crime intelligence, and that alone indicates that these were not just regular police officers.

“They were smart, dedicated, and hard-working young people, and that is why this loss is hard to swallow. The pain is unbearable, said Letsoha-Mathae.

Families of the three Constanles were inconsolable at the joint memorial service.  PHOTO: Baagedi Setlhora