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Constable Keamogetswe Buys, 30, was laid to rest in a deeply emotional and official funeral service held on Saturday, 10 May, in her hometown of Thaba Nchu in the Free State. Family, friends, and colleagues gathered at Grassland Hall in Bloemfontein to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a woman who was more than a dedicated police officer—she was a pillar of strength in both her family and her community.
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Keamogetswe’s tragic death, along with her two colleagues, Constables Cebekhulu Linda and Boipelo Sanoge, sent shockwaves across the country. Their bodies were discovered in the Hennops River in Centurion, Gauteng, under mysterious circumstances that remain the subject of ongoing investigation.
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Speaking at the funeral, family members reflected on Keamogetswe’s vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication. Her cousin, Moipone Mabale, shared a touching memory of how the officer had recently gifted shoes to her and her sister—a gesture that now feels like a haunting farewell. “We grew up like sisters at our grandmother’s house in Thaba Nchu,” said Mabale. “She was my best woman at my wedding, and I proudly stood by her at her graduation. We prayed she would return, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
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Her husband, Lwazi Thepe, visibly heartbroken, recalled their journey together that began during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic. “I was afraid to talk to her at first, but destiny brought us together. Now, life without her feels unbearable. Rest in eternal peace, my love,” he said tearfully.
Uncle Kekaetswe Mabale urged the family to find strength in unity and faith during this painful time. “This is God’s will. He gives and He takes. Let us support each other and begin the journey of healing together,” he said. He praised Keamogetswe as a beacon of hope and a dedicated officer whose innovation and intelligence made her stand out.
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Constable Buys was the last of the three officers from the Hennops River tragedy to be buried, offering a sense of closure to the community and her colleagues. Her comrades, Cebekhulu and Sanoge, had already been laid to rest in separate ceremonies in Bloemfontein.
National Police Commissioner General Fanie Masemola commended Buys’ exceptional service in the South African Police Service (SAPS), especially in the cybercrime unit. “She was entrusted with critical duties and proved herself through dedication and technical expertise. She completed advanced courses in IT and was involved in intelligence operations in Limpopo. Her commanders spoke highly of her professionalism,” said Masemola.
The Commissioner also thanked Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and the Free State provincial government for their support during this tragic time. He concluded by honoring Buys and acknowledging the deep loss her family and the nation have endured.
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Constable Keamogetswe Buys will be remembered not only for her service but also for the love, strength, and inspiration she brought to all who knew her.
