Police in Bloemfontein are searching for 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, who was allegedly kidnapped by two men impersonating officers on Thursday afternoon. He was immediately reported missing.
“The complainant, Daniel Malebatso, arrived at Marti Du Plessis School in Fitchardpark as usual, to fetch Baukudi who is a Grade 11 learner at the school,” said SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
According to Mathe, Malebatso left the school with the teenager and they were driving in a Suzuki Ertiga.
STOPPING FOR POLICE SIRENS
Malebatso said while driving on Vereeniging Drive near Erlichpark Extension, they suddenly heard a siren going off behind them. He said they were pulled over by a White Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab.
He alleges that he saw two male persons inside the vehicle and insists that their identities are unknown to him. However he said that one of the men was wearing a police uniform while the other wore blue tracksuits.
“According to the complainant, the suspects bakkie was fitted with blue lights on the grill and what looked like a police radio inside,” said Mathe.
SUSPECTS ALLEGEDLY CLAIMED THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED TO SEARCH FOR DRUGS
According to Malebatso, the suspect who was wearing a police uniform confronted him and informed him that the vehicle they were driving in was suspected of drug trafficking. He alleges the two “officers” then separated him from Baukudi.
Malebatso claims he was instructed to drive in front of the “police vehicle”, while they followed behind him en route to Park Road Police Station.
“Both vehicles turned back and drove in westerly direction in Vereeniging Drive. Malebatso alleges that a truck went in-between the Suzuki he was driving and the Toyota Hilux and he never saw it again,” said Mathe.
A PLEA FOR A SAFE RETURN
“Malebatso recalls that one of the suspects was speaking Sesotho fluently and even mentioned the name ‘Thipe’,” said Mathe
She said the cellphones belonging to both Malebatso and Baukudi were found under the bridge on Ferrera Road. A case of kidnapping and impersonating the police has since been opened at Parkweg Police Station.
Police are pleading with anyone who might have information that can help locate Kamogelo Baukudi, to come forward. If you have any information, contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 5262 713.
Alternatively the information can be submitted on MySAPS App or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
ARE POLICE EQUIPPED TO SWIFTLY HANDLE KIDNAPPING CASES?
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