Tragedy in Centurion: Siblings Recovered from Hennops River Following Flash Floods
A somber search operation in Centurion has come to a devastating conclusion. On December 23, 2025, authorities confirmed the recovery of the bodies of Galaletsang Mokone (23) and Gontse Lee Matjila (21) from the Hennops River.
The siblings had been missing since December 21, last seen during a period of severe weather that turned the Gauteng landscape into a danger zone. Their disappearance sparked a massive search effort that eventually led to a submerged blue Hyundai i30 and a grieving community.
The Incident: A Weekend of Rising Waters
The tragedy unfolded against the backdrop of the relentless storms that battered the province over the weekend. Reports indicate that the Hennops River, notorious for rapid flooding, overran its banks and low-lying bridges on the evening of December 21.
While the exact circumstances remain under investigation, the location of their vehicle suggests the siblings may have been caught in the rising waters while attempting to navigate the area. The recovery was a grueling, multi-agency effort involving:
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SAPS Water Wing and Dive Units
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Gauteng EMS Rescue Teams
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Tshwane Emergency Services
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SARZA (Search and Rescue South Africa)
A Community Demanding Change
As news of the recovery spread, social media was flooded not just with condolences, but with calls for action. Residents have long voiced concerns about the safety of the Hennops River crossings.
Key points of public outcry include:
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Infrastructure: Lack of physical barriers or automated gates at low-lying bridges.
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Surveillance: The absence of cameras to monitor water levels and driver safety in real-time.
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Early Warning Systems: The need for better localized alerts for residents who do not have access to high-tech weather apps or consistent data.
Timeline of Events
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December 21, 2025: Galaletsang and Gontse are last seen in Centurion during peak flooding.
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December 23, 2025 (AM): Multi-agency teams intensify the search along the river banks.
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December 23, 2025 (PM): The Hyundai i30 is located underwater; the recovery of the siblings follows shortly after.
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December 23, 2025 (Evening): SAPS Wierdabrug secures the scene and opens a formal investigation.
Key Players in the Recovery
| Entity | Role |
| SAPS Wierdabrug | Lead investigative body for the incident. |
| SAPS Dive Unit | Conducted the dangerous underwater retrieval. |
| Gauteng EMS & Tshwane Fire | Provided technical rescue and on-site support. |
| SARZA | Specialized volunteer search and rescue assistance. |
The Road Ahead: Safety and Education
This tragedy highlights a recurring pattern in South Africa where seasonal storms exploit vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure. For those in areas with limited tech access, the reliance on community “word of mouth” and local police visibility is life-saving. Analysts suggest that until infrastructure catches up, driver education regarding the power of moving water remains the most vital tool for prevention.
“A few inches of water can sweep a vehicle away. If the road is flooded, turn around—don’t drown.” — Local Safety Advisory
