Police in Sebayeng, Capricorn District, have recovered the bodies of four individuals after the vehicle they were traveling in was swept away at an overflowing bridge on Sunday.
According to police reports, five occupants were traveling in a blue Renault Kwid along a gravel road between Madiga and Makotopong villages. The incident occurred at the Makotopong River on the morning of Sunday, 08 March 2026, when the vehicle allegedly overturned at the overflowing bridge and was washed into the river.
One occupant managed to escape from the vehicle and alerted police and emergency personnel.
The Provincial Search and Rescue team responded to the scene and conducted operations. On Sunday, 08 March 2026, they recovered the body of Lebapa Petrus Mochitele (27) from Madiga Village from the water. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel certified him dead at the scene.
Search operations resumed on Monday, 09 March 2026, involving the SAPS Water Wing Unit, EMS Search and Rescue, the Fire and Rescue Department, and an EMS helicopter. During the operation, rescuers located the submerged vehicle and recovered three additional bodies.
The deceased have been identified as Seobi Dikgale (33), Betty Makokoane (22), and Shellote Dikgale (30), all residents of Madiga Village.
Police have opened an inquest docket for investigation. Investigations are continuing.