The Ministry of Police has expressed has “grave” concern over the disappearance of three members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This as police announced a R350 000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts of three missing police constables and the arrest of those behind their disappearance.
“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,” said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Masemola and the Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, on Sunday met with the team involved in investigating the disappearance of three police officers.
The delegation also met with the families of the three police officers.
In a statement, the Minister said the families will continue to receive support and updates from the SAPS leadership.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time. 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.
“No piece of information is too small. These are our colleagues, our sons and daughters, and we must act as one in ensuring their safe return. The National Commissioner has announced that a reward of R350 000.00 is available for information which can lead to the whereabouts of our members and the whereabouts of those criminals that are behind their disappearance,” said the Minister.
The Minister said he has 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”, said Minister Mchunu.
On Saturday, the National Commissioner appealed to members of the public for assistance in finding the missing constables.
READ | SAPS Commissioner to meet investigating team and families of missing constables
The two women, namely 30-year-old constable Keamogetswe Buys and 20-year-old constable Boipelo Senoge and 24-year-old male constable, Constable Cebekhulu Linda were travelling in a white VW Polo sedan from Bloemfontein to their area of deployment in Limpopo when they went missing.
Their last known location was at the Engen garage near the Grasmere toll plaza on the N1 on Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
“Their vehicle tracking device and cellphones have been off since the day of their disappearance. Their vehicle registration number is JCL 401 FS. A 24-hour Venue Operational Centre (VOC) has been established, and a full-scale search is underway with a high-level team of detectives and crime intelligence operators from Gauteng and the Free State have been mobilised to find them,” said the SAPS.
At the time of their disappearance, the officers were off duty and did not make to their area of deployment.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner said the team investigating the matter 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 (DPCI) Tactical Operations and Management Section (TOMS) and other key specialised units including our cyber-crime unit.
"We have pulled maximum resources together to find our young police officers safe, unharmed and alive, and this remains our key focus. The second focus of our investigation is to find those who are behind the disappearance of these members,” he said on Sunday. -SAnews.gov.za
