The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has announced that a high-level investigation is underway following the disappearance of three police officers.

Speaking after meeting with the families of the missing officers, Constable Boipelo Senoge (20), Cebekhulu Linda (24), and Keamogetswe Buys (30), General Masemola reaffirmed the SAPS’s full commitment to finding the members and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.

General Masemola, alongside Deputy National Commissioner of Crime Detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya and Provincial Commissioner of the Free State Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, briefed the families on the status of the investigation. He emphasised that the matter is being handled at the highest level, with significant resources deployed to secure the safe return of the officers.

A multi-disciplinary team comprising experienced detectives, crime intelligence operatives, and members of specialised units such as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), and the SAPS Cybercrime Unit has been assembled. Personnel from Limpopo, Free State, and Gauteng provinces are all contributing expertise to the investigation.

General Masemola stressed that finding the missing officers alive and unharmed remains the primary focus. The second objective is to apprehend those responsible for their disappearance. He assured the public that the investigation is at a critical and sensitive stage, and that every piece of information is being thoroughly pursued.

“We will not allow criminals to undermine the authority of the state,” Masemola said, issuing a direct warning to those involved to surrender to authorities. He reaffirmed the SAPS’s stance that it does not negotiate with criminals.

Two of the missing members are attached to the SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit in the Free State and were undertaking duties in Limpopo. Constable Senoge, the youngest of the three, is based at Park Road Police Station and currently serves in the Community Service Centre.

Highlighting the SAPS’s determination to resolve the case swiftly, General Masemola announced a reward of R350,000 for information leading to the whereabouts of the officers or those responsible for their disappearance. Members of the public are encouraged to contact Captain Chaacha Manga on 082 527 6099 with any information. All tip-offs will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, and anonymity will be respected.

General Masemola appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed anything unusual, particularly around the Grasmere Toll Plaza area four days ago, to come forward. He noted that community assistance has been crucial in solving past serious crimes, including cases of kidnapping, murder, and sexual assault.

General Masemola further acknowledged the challenging and often dangerous environment in which police officers operate daily, reiterating that the SAPS remains committed to the protection and service of the South African people.

Support structures, including Employee Health and Wellness professionals, psychologists, and chaplains, have been mobilised under the guidance of the Free State Provincial Commissioner to assist the families during this difficult period.

General Masemola concluded by stating that speculation about motives would be premature at this stage, but he expressed confidence that the investigation would lead to a breakthrough in due course. He reaffirmed that the SAPS would not rest until the missing members are found and justice is served.