The search for 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, a Grade 11 learner from Martie du Plessis Special School in Fichardtpark, BLOEMFONTEIN, has taken a disturbing turn with the arrest of a 42-year-old police sergeant. Baukudi vanished on 5 June, sparking an intensive investigation that has now exposed a potential betrayal from within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Initially, authorities believed Baukudi had been abducted by individuals impersonating police officers. However, Free State police have since confirmed that the white Toyota Hilux GD6 involved in the kidnapping is, in fact, SAPS property, leading to the arrest of the sergeant.
The sequence of events leading to Baukudi's disappearance began when Daniel Malebatso, a family friend who regularly transported the teenager from school, arrived at Martie du Plessis Special School in Fichardtpark to collect him. As they drove along Vereeniging Drive in Ehrlich Park, they were pulled over by a white Toyota Hilux GD-6 double cab, equipped with blue lights on the grill and what appeared to be a police radio inside.
According to police reports, two men occupied the Hilux. One was wearing a police uniform, while the other was dressed in a blue tracksuit. The man in the police uniform approached Malebatso and accused him of using the Suzuki Ertiga they were driving to deliver drugs.
Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane, a Free State police spokesperson, detailed the alleged abduction. "The suspects then separated Daniel and Kamogelo and instructed Daniel to drive at the front while they followed from behind to the Park Road police station."
As the two vehicles turned back and proceeded in a westerly direction on Vereeniging Drive, Malebatso claims a truck moved between his Suzuki and the Toyota Hilux. He lost sight of the Hilux and has not seen Baukudi since. Malebatso recalls that one of the suspects spoke Sesotho fluently and mentioned the name "Thipe."
Adding to the mystery, both Malebatso's and Baukudi's cellphones were later discovered under a bridge on Ferrera Road.
The arrest of the police sergeant has prompted strong reactions from within the SAPS. Free State police commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane vowed that there would be no leniency for officers involved in criminality. She is said to have stated that the investigation had entered a crucial phase, and that the involvement of any SAPS member in criminal acts would not be tolerated, and that culprits would be held accountable, even if they were within their own ranks.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe expressed disappointment and concern over the involvement of a police officer in the kidnapping. She indicated that the SAPS had initially reported that fake officers had kidnapped Kamogelo Baukudi, but that upon further investigation, a Sergeant had been arrested, which she found highly disappointing and unacceptable.
Brigadier Motansie Makhele confirmed that the arrested sergeant would be charged with kidnapping, with the possibility of additional charges being added as the investigation progresses. He is said to have confirmed that a 42-year-old official had been taken into custody and that they expected him to appear in court on Monday, facing the charge of kidnapping.
The Free State Department of Education has also responded to the incident, sending professionals to Martie du Plessis Special School to provide mental health support to the pupils. Spokesperson Howard Ndaba confirmed that the department is working to support the school community during this difficult time.
Parents, education department officials, and top Provincial Government officials held a prayer for Kamogelo's safe return in BLOEMFONTEIN on 6 June. The community is rallying together, hoping for a positive outcome in this disturbing case.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme can be contacted at 082-5262-713. Information can also be submitted via the MySAPS app or by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600-10111.
The kidnapping and subsequent arrest of a police officer have raised serious questions about trust and accountability within the SAPS. While the vast majority of officers are dedicated to serving and protecting the community, this incident highlights the potential for corruption and abuse of power. It also underscores the importance of thorough vetting processes and robust internal oversight mechanisms to prevent such incidents from occurring.
The case has also brought attention to the vulnerability of young people, particularly those with disabilities, who may be more susceptible to exploitation and crime. Martie du Plessis Special School caters to learners with special needs, and the targeting of one of its students is particularly troubling.
As the search for Kamogelo Baukudi continues, the community of BLOEMFONTEIN remains on edge. The arrest of a police sergeant has added a layer of complexity and uncertainty to an already distressing situation. The focus now is on bringing Kamogelo home safely and ensuring that all those responsible for his kidnapping are brought to justice, regardless of their position or status. The coming days will be crucial as investigators work to unravel the truth and provide answers to a community desperate for closure.
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