Central SA
Free State police working tirelessly to find kidnapped teenager─── ZENANDE MPAME 11:28 Wed, 11 Jun 2025
Nearly seven days later, Martie du Plessis learner Kamogelo Baukudi is still missing after he was allegedly kidnapped by suspects impersonating police officers in Bloemfontein.
Sgt Nzima Adoons (42) will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday (13/6) for bail information and further investigation, facing charges of kidnapping and extortion.
Adoons appeared in the same court on Monday and was remanded in custody. An additional charge of extortion was added after it was revealed in court that calls for a ransom were made to the victim’s mother.
“For the case of Kamogelo, we are very much confident as the management of the Free State to say that we are going to find Kamogelo, our team is out there to ensure that we find him,” said Free State commissioner Lt. Gen. Baile Motsenyane.
“Thus far, we have arrested a police officer, and he is being linked positively to the kidnapping and extortion of Kamogelo. His identity is being kept to ensure that the investigation will not be compromised in any way.”
Kamogelo Baukudi was allegedly kidnapped on Thursday (5/6) after school by men who impersonated police officers. He was picked up by was picked up from school by a driver working for his parent, and they were allegedly followed and stopped near Vereeniging Drive.
Daniel Malebatso, the driver, alleges that he heard a siren behind them and the occupants of a white Toyota Hilux GD-6 double-cab bakkie, fitted with blue “police lights”, pulled them over.
The suspect wearing a police uniform confronted Malebatso and informed him that the Suzuki Ertiga they were driving together with Baukudi was suspected of delivering drugs.
The duo was separated, and Malebatso was then told to drive ahead of Baukudi as they followed from behind to the Park Road police station. The Toyota Hilux vanished from sight when a truck passed between the Suzuki and the vehicle.
‘Information saves lives’
“The police are working tirelessly, day and night, to locate him and bring him home safely,” said Free State MEC of Community, Safety, Roads, and Transport, Jabu Mbalula.
“We appeal to anyone with any information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward. Silence helps criminals, but information saves lives.”
