Free State Police Commissioner
By Lerato Mpembe
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State has reiterated its unwavering commitment to finding 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, who was kidnapped on June 5, 2025. A 42-year-old police sergeant has been arrested in connection with the abduction and appeared briefly in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, where the case was postponed to June 13, 2025, for bail information and further investigation. The suspect’s identity remains undisclosed due to an ongoing identification parade, as ordered by the court. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane has emphasized that the SAPS will not tolerate any involvement of its members in criminal activities, vowing to uncover the full truth behind this heinous crime. As the search for Kamogelo continues, authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to his safe return.
Arrest of Police Officer Shocks Community
The arrest of a 42-year-old police sergeant has sent ripples of disbelief through the Free State. Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele confirmed that the officer, who serves in the provincial anti-gang unit, was taken into custody after being linked to the vehicle used in the kidnapping—a white Toyota Hilux GD6, identified as SAPS property. The suspect appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, where proceedings revealed a chilling new detail: he allegedly contacted Kamogelo’s mother, demanding a “huge amount of money” for his safe return, adding an extortion charge to the kidnapping case. The court postponed the matter to June 13, 2025, for a bail hearing and further investigation, with an identification parade still pending. Authorities have hinted that more arrests could follow, raising questions about the extent of involvement within police ranks.
The Kidnapping: A Daytime Nightmare
Kamogelo Baukudi, a Grade 11 learner at Martie Du Plessis Special School in Fichardtpark, Bloemfontein, was abducted in broad daylight on June 5, 2025, at approximately 11:55. He was being driven home along Vereeniging Drive in Erlichpark by his caretaker, Daniel Malebatso, in a silver Suzuki Ertiga when a white Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab, equipped with blue lights and a police-style radio, forced them to stop. Two men—one in a police uniform, the other in a blue tracksuit—approached the vehicle, falsely accusing Malebatso of drug trafficking. They separated the pair, ordering Malebatso to drive to Parkweg Police Station while they took Kamogelo in the Hilux. A truck cut between the vehicles during the convoy, and the Hilux vanished with Kamogelo. The cellphones of both Kamogelo and Malebatso were later found discarded under a bridge on Ferreira Road, with one kidnapper speaking fluent Sesotho and mentioning the name “Thipe”—a lead investigators are pursuing relentlessly.
SAPS Vows Justice and Appeals for Help
Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, the Free State Provincial Commissioner, has taken a firm stance on the case. “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,” she declared. The SAPS has mobilized maximum resources to locate Kamogelo and bring those responsible to justice. Brigadier Motantsi Makhele echoed this commitment, stating, “We are continuing our investigation and anticipate that very soon the net will close.” Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Lieutenant Colonel Kelaotswe Lebodi at 082 527 6348, Lieutenant Colonel David Ramasoala at 082 527 7390, or Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 526 2713. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the MySAPS App or by calling Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
A School and Community in Anguish
The abduction has left Martie Du Plessis Special School and the broader Bloemfontein community reeling. The Free State Department of Education, led by MEC Dr. MJ Maboya, has expressed deep concern and welcomed the suspect’s arrest. On June 9, 2025, Head of Department Advocate Tsoarelo Malakoane visited the school at 10:00 to offer support, telling staff and learners, “We will be strong for Kamogelo. We are not going to be brittle but stand up and pray for his safe return.” The department has activated psychosocial support services for those affected, while a candlelit prayer vigil at the school gates saw parents, educators, and learners unite in hope. Department spokesperson Howard Ndaba emphasized, “The safety and well-being of our learners remain our top priority. Let’s work together to ensure our learners’ safety and security.”
Musanda Foundation Demands Action
The Musanda Foundation has joined the chorus of voices demanding swift justice and Kamogelo’s safe return. In a heartfelt statement, the foundation welcomed the arrest but expressed alarm at the broader implications. “We urgently call on the South African Police Service and the broader justice system to act with urgency, transparency, and integrity in this matter. Every moment counts,” the statement read. Chairman Murendeni extended prayers to Kamogelo’s family, linking the incident to the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence. “The safety, dignity, and rights of women and children must be upheld at all costs,” he added, calling for a united effort from government, schools, and communities to protect learners nationwide.
A Twist of Betrayal: From Fake Cops to Real Corruption
Initially reported as a case of fake cops, the investigation took a shocking turn when the Toyota Hilux was confirmed as SAPS property. National spokesperson Athlenda Mathe expressed dismay, saying, “This is highly disappointing and unacceptable.” The revelation has sparked outrage and fear, with community groups warning of a growing trend of police impersonation and corruption. Parents and civic leaders are demanding better surveillance, enhanced patrols, and stricter oversight of police assets. The incident echoes past cases, like the 2024 disappearance of 15-year-old Lado Masu, fuelling concerns about organized crime exploiting law enforcement symbols to prey on the vulnerable.
Emotional Toll and Unanswered Questions
Kamogelo’s family, present in court but avoiding public statements, remains desperate for answers. The suspect’s brief appearance offered little comfort, as his whereabouts remain unknown. Advocate Tsoarelo Malakoane captured the collective sentiment during his school visit: “It makes for sleepless nights as we wonder where he could be.” The premier of the Free State, also in attendance at the court, stressed that finding Kamogelo is the priority, urging focus over speculation. Across Bloemfontein, residents have rallied, with church leaders and political figures calling for collective action against crime. “If this can happen here, it can happen anywhere,” one civic leader remarked outside the school gates.
Investigation Intensifies as Hope Persists
The SAPS Special Search Task Team, comprising local detectives and specialists, is working tirelessly to trace Kamogelo and the suspects. Plans to interview truck drivers near the abduction site and analyze the Hilux’s movements are underway. Authorities are also cracking down on counterfeit police rings across the region, promising prosecution for anyone misusing uniforms or blue lights. Meanwhile, the name “Thipe” and the suspect’s alleged ransom demand are critical threads investigators are pulling to unravel this mystery. “We trust that justice will be served, and the perpetrator will face the full consequences of their actions,” said Dr. MJ Maboya, reflecting the province’s resolve.
A Call to the Public
As the search for Kamogelo Baukudi enters a critical phase, the SAPS and Free State Department of Education are pleading for public assistance. Every tip, no matter how small, could be the key to bringing him home. The community’s role is vital, with authorities emphasizing that collective vigilance can thwart such crimes. “The ultimate consolation we have is that this is on high rotation on all news channels. What we hope is that he will get back home and back to school whole and in one piece,” Advocate Malakoane said.
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