Midrand man’s body found in the Hennops River following intense search for days
The National Sea Rescue Institute commander Arthur Crewe said the search began immediately after they received reports of a vehicle in the river.
The body of the missing Midrand man was found in Hennops River on January 23 after an intense three-day search.
Timothy van Asche’s body was recovered in the Hennops River in Hartbeespoort, about 2km away from where his vehicle had submerged into the river
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Hartebeespoort Dam station commander Arthur Crewe said the search for the 36-year-old began after receiving reports of a Mitsubishi Pajero vehicle in the river, on the border of Gauteng and North West provinces on January 20.
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“A search commenced for any possible occupants of the vehicle. No signs of any persons were located in or around the vehicle during extensive search operations on Monday [January 20], said Crewe.
Crewe added Van Ashce was last seen on CCTV cameras leaving his home in Glenferness, Midrand shortly before 04:00 on that Monday morning. “His car was found in the Hennops River around 09:30 the same morning. Search and rescue operations by Hartbeespoort NSRI and police divers ensued and continued until Thursday morning when the body was recovered.”
Crewe added the search was led by led by the Police Water Policing and Diving Services assisted by NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam, Hartbeespoort Strategic Rescue Unit (SRU), Hartbeespoort Law Enforcement and Tshwane Emergency Services water rescue unit.
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He said while police investigations continued their, thoughts were with the Van Asche family in this difficult time.
The Sector 4 Crime Forum posted on their Facebook page: ‘It is with a very heavy heart that we share the sad news that the resident was sadly found deceased. ‘We wish to convey our sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. Our gratitude goes out to the members of the SAPS and NSRI dive teams and all the other volunteers who worked tirelessly to find him.’
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