Polokwane – Police in Sebayeng have recovered four bodies after a car was swept away from a low-lying bridge at the Makotopong River in Limpopo.
A blue Renault Kwid, with five occupants, was travelling along the Madiga to Makotopong gravel road when it was swept away on Sunday morning, 8 March 2026, between Madiga and Makotopong villages.
“One of the occupants managed to escape from the vehicle and alerted the police and emergency personnel,” said Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, a police spokesperson.
The Provincial Search and Rescue team responded and recovered the body of 27-year-old Lebapa Petrus Mochitele on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
“EMS personnel certified him dead at the scene,” Colonel Ledwaba said.
Search operations continued on Monday, 9 March 2026, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Water Wing Unit, assisted by EMS Search and Rescue, Fire and Rescue Department, and the EMS helicopter.
“During the operation, the submerged vehicle was located, and three additional bodies were recovered,”’said Colonel Ledwaba.
The deceased were identified as 33-year-old Seobi Dikgale, 22-year-old Betty Makokoane, and 30-year-old Shellote Dikgale, all from Madiga Village.
Limpopo SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said: “My heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families”.
Police have opened an inquest docket.
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