Police are searching for 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi and two men impersonating police officers who kidnapped him on Thursday morning in Erlichpark Extension, Bloemfontein, Free State.
Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane said a police search task team is out in the streets looking for Baukudi.
“The complainant, Daniel Malebatso, arrived at Marti Du Plessis School in Fitchardpark as usual to fetch Kamogelo, who is a grade 11 learner at the school. He left with Kamogelo in a Suzuki Ertiga,” said Covane.
“Whilst 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.”
Case of kidnapping opened
Malebatso told Covane 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.”
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 Baukudi’s cellphones under the bridge on Ferrera Road.
Park Road police station has opened a case for kidnapping and police impersonation.
Covane said that any member of the public who might have information to help the police find Baukudi or who noticed the vehicles in question must contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 5262 713.
