The 42-year-old police sergeant who was detained in relation to the abduction of Kamogelo Baukudi, a 19-year-old student in the Free State, is also accused of extortion.
This was made public when the police sergeant showed up at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The police sergeant is accused of kidnapping and extortion in relation to Baukudi’s abduction, according to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele.
The officer was arrested on Sunday.
Makhele stated that the accused police officer’s identity had been kept secret by a court order because the investigating officers in the case requested that the officer’s face not be publicised.
Identity parade
Since there has not yet been an identity parade, the officer’s identity and face cannot be made public.
The court postponed the case to Friday to allow for the accused police officer’s formal bail application consultations. The accused remains in police custody.
The court case comes after two individuals who identified themselves as police officers abducted Baukudi on Thursday in Erlichpark Extension in Bloemfontein, Free State.
National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said a white Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab belonging to the South African Police Service (SAPS) was used in the abduction.
“The SAPS had initially reported that fake cops had kidnapped Kamogelo Baukudi,” according to Mathe.
“Upon further investigation, Free State police have found that the white Toyota Hilux GD6 is SAPS property, and a 42-year-old police sergeant has been arrested. This is highly disappointing and unacceptable,” said Mathe.
Task team searching for victim, kidnappers
Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane, a Free State police spokesperson, previously stated that a police task force was looking for Baukudi and the alleged kidnappers on the streets.
“The complainant, Daniel Malebatso, arrived at Marti du Plessis School in Fitchardpark as usual to fetch Kamogelo, who is a grade 11 pupil at the school. He left with Kamogelo in a Suzuki Ertiga,” said Covane previously.
“While driving along Vereeniging Drive in Erlichpark Extension, Daniel alleges that they heard a siren sounding from behind, and they were pulled over by a White Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab.
“Inside the Toyota Hilux, there were two unknown men; one was wearing a police uniform and the other was in a blue tracksuit.”
Covane said that the suspects’ bakkie had blue lights on the grill and a police radio inside.
“The suspect wearing the police uniform confronted Daniel and informed him that the Suzuki they were driving in with Kamogelo was suspected of delivering drugs.
“The suspects then separated Daniel and Kamogelo and instructed Daniel to drive in front while they followed from behind to the Park Road police station.”
Cellphones found under the bridge
Both vehicles turned back and drove in a westerly direction on Vereeniging Drive.
“Daniel alleges that a truck went in between the Suzuki he was driving and the Toyota Hilux, and he never saw it again.
“Daniel recalls that one of the suspects was speaking Sesotho fluently and even mentioned the name “Thipe”,” said Covane.
Police later found both Malebatso’s and Kamogelo’s cellphones under the bridge on Ferrera Road, resulting in Park Road police station opening a case for kidnapping and police impersonation.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Lt-Col Kelaotswe Lebodi on 082 527 6348, Lt-Col David Ramasoala on 082 527 7390 or Capt Sabata Jafta Moseme on 082 526 2713.
Alternatively, members of the public can drop an anonymous tip on the MySAPS App or call the SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
