The Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court is scheduled to hear the case of a 42-year-old police sergeant who was detained in relation to the disappearance of 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi.
The court case comes after two individuals posing as police officers abducted Baukudi from Erlichpark Extension in Bloemfontein, Free State, on Thursday of last week.
A white Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab belonging to the South African Police Service (SAPS) was used by “police officers” to abduct Baukudi, a 19-year-old school pupil.
National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe disclosed this information.
“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.”
When the police sergeant shows up in court, he will be charged with kidnapping.
Search continues for Baukudi
Free State police spokesperson Lt-Col Thabo Covane said a police task force was searching the streets for Baukudi and the suspected kidnappers.
“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.
He continued: “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 Lieutenant-Colonel Kelaotswe Lebodi on 082 527 6348, Lieutenant-Colonel David Ramasoala on 082 527 7390 or Captain 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.
