A 42-year-old police sergeant has been arrested by the Bloemfontein South African Police Service, in connection with the alleged kidnapping of 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi.
The arrest comes four days after the teenager and grade 11 learner was reported missing. The Provincial Police Commissioner in the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, has vowed that SAPS will uncover the full truth behind the alleged kidnapping.
Lieutenant General Motswenyane said, “This investigation has now entered a crucial phase. The involvement of any SAPS member in criminal acts will not be tolerated. Culprits will be held accountable – even if they are within our own ranks.”
POLICE SIRENS BRING DRIVER AND BAUKUDI TO A HALT
The South African first broke the story of Baukudi on Friday, 6 June 2025. It had been just a few hours after he had been reported missing.
Daniel Malebatso, who had fetched Baukudi from Marti Du Plessis School that day, told police that they were driving on Vereeniging Drive, near Erlichpark Extension, when they were stopped by police sirens.
Malebatso alleged they were pulled over by a White Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab. He told the police that he saw two unknown male persons inside the vehicle. Malebatso said one of the men was wearing a police uniform while the other wore blue tracksuits.
DRUG CLAIMS MADE BY THE ALLEGED KIDNAPPERS
When The South African first reported on the story, Malebatso claimed that the suspect who was wearing a police uniform said their vehicle was suspected of drug trafficking. He alleged that Baukudi was then taken into “the police vehicle” by the other two officers.
Malebatso alleged that the officers instructed him to drive in front of them as both vehicles convoyed en route to Park Road Police Station.
“Malebatso alleges that a truck went in-between the Suzuki he was driving and the Toyota Hilux and he never saw it again,” said national SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
CELLPHONES BELONGING TO BAUKUDI AND MALEBATSO DISCARDED
The police found cellphones belonging to both Malebatso and Baukudi discarded under a bridge on Ferrera Road. The Parkweg Police Station has since opened a docket of kidnapping and impersonating the police.
“Kamogelo has not been seen since and the SAPS continues to prioritise his safe return as a matter of utmost urgency,” said Mathe.
A PLEA FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
SAPS 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.
The information can also be submitted on MySAPS App or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 as an alternative.
ARE POLICE EQUIPPED TO SWIFTLY HANDLE KIDNAPPING CASES?
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