Tragedy In Hennops River: Missing Siblings Found Dead After Car Swept Away

Two siblings who went missing after visiting friends in Centurion have been found dead after their vehicle was discovered submerged in the Hennops River, bringing a devastating end to a desperate search.

Police confirmed that Gontse Matjila (21) and her brother Galaletsang Mokone (23) died after their car was swept off a low-water bridge into the river during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Hennops River Tragedy After Car Swept Off Low-Water Bridge

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the siblings were last traced on Rabie Street near the highway, close to where the Hennops River flows.

“The incident is believed to have occurred around 05:40 on Sunday morning. The vehicle’s tracking device stopped working in the area, and both the SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) and emergency services were alerted later on Sunday evening to the possible location of the car,” said Masondo.

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Police believe the vehicle was swept off a low-water bridge after heavy rainfall caused water levels to rise rapidly.

Search Hampered by Raging Waters, Vehicle Found Submerged

A full-scale search began early on Monday, 22 December, starting at the suspected entry point and moving downstream along the river. Despite assistance from a SAPS helicopter, teams were unable to locate the vehicle due to dangerous water conditions.

The operation resumed on Tuesday morning with multiple agencies involved, including WPDS, Search and Rescue South Africa, Gauteng Emergency Medical Services and the Fire Brigade.

“Teams operating in the water eventually located the vehicle about 400 metres from the point of entry. The car was still submerged under approximately one metre of water and had to be secured using high-angle rope work before being pulled closer to the riverbank with winches,” Masondo said.

It was then confirmed that both siblings’ bodies were still inside the vehicle.

Emergency Services Issue Safety Warning After Fatal Incident

CERT-SA spokesperson Ruan Heynes said the organisation’s Centurion crew assisted in the joint rescue operation and extended condolences to the grieving family.

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the deceased during this profoundly difficult time,” Heynes said.

Tshwane Emergency Services Department deputy chief Nana Radebe-Kgiba, who was present at the scene, urged motorists to take extra care during periods of heavy rainfall.

She warned that flooded roads and low-lying bridges are extremely dangerous, as water levels can rise without warning. Radebe-Kgiba also reminded residents to heed weather alerts and safety advisories.

“We call on residents to be vigilant and to immediately report any fire or rescue incident by calling 107 toll-free or calling 012 358 6300/6400.”

Police previously confirmed that the siblings had been visiting friends in Centurion on Saturday night. Their mother last spoke to Gontse during a video call at around 03:00 on Sunday, before they reportedly left at approximately 05:00 to return home to Ninapark, Pretoria North.

The siblings were reported missing later that afternoon, prompting a multi-unit SAPS investigation. The discovery of the vehicle and the confirmation of their deaths has now brought a heartbreaking conclusion to the search.

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