BLOEMFONTEIN – The community of Bloemfontein gathered in solemn remembrance on Friday morning to pay tribute to Constable Cebekhulu Linda, one of three South African Police Service (SAPS) members who tragically died when their vehicle plunged into the Hennops River in Centurion.
The funeral service was held at St Rose Catholic Church and drew a large crowd of grieving family members, friends, and colleagues from SAPS. Among the mourners were high-ranking police officials, including Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo and National Crime Detection Deputy Shadrack Sibiya, who joined in honoring the memory of the fallen constable.
Constable Linda was traveling with two fellow SAPS members, Boipelo Senoge and Keamogetswe Buys, when their white VW Polo veered off the N1 highway and landed in the Hennops River. The tragic incident ended in the loss of all three officers. After days of uncertainty, their bodies and the submerged vehicle were recovered last week, bringing closure to a nationwide search effort.
Linda’s death came just two days after his 24th birthday. Born on 22 April 2001, he had recently been deployed to Limpopo under Operation Vala Umgodi, a special initiative aimed at tackling illegal mining activities in high-risk areas. His family and colleagues remember him as a dedicated and passionate officer who served with pride and integrity.
Despite the shock and grief, Linda’s loved ones displayed great strength during the emotional service. Tributes poured in describing his character, his commitment to the community, and the promising future that was cut short.
Public speculation surrounding the incident has been widespread, prompting the Free State government to urge respect for the grieving families. Authorities have ruled the crash an accident and confirmed that a full scene reconstruction is underway to determine the precise circumstances that led to the tragedy.
In related ceremonies, Constable Senoge was laid to rest in the Free State on Thursday. Constable Buys will be buried on Saturday, as SAPS and the broader South African public continue to come to terms with the devastating loss of three young officers.
The Free State government has pledged ongoing support to the bereaved families, recognizing the profound sacrifice made by these officers in the line of duty. Their loss has resonated deeply, not only within SAPS but also across communities who understand the risks law enforcement officers face each day.
As the sun set on the day’s proceedings, one message echoed above all: the dedication and bravery of Constable Cebekhulu Linda will never be forgotten.