This was Free State FF Plus leader Jan van Niekerk’s response after a police official was implicated in the alleged kidnapping of Kamogelo Baukudi (19), a learner at Martie du Plessis Special School.

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. A further charge of extortion was added after it was revealed in court that calls for a ransom were made to the victim’s mother.

Other political parties in the Free State have also expressed their disappointment and shock.

“We are a bit disappointed that the person who comes out as a suspect is a police officer, but at the … same time, we are happy that police went out and arrested one of their own,” said EFF Provincial Secretary Bosanku Msimanga.

‘Bloemfontein has become a crime scene’

“It’s clear that the whole of Bloemfontein has become a crime scene, and police need to up their game in ensuring that they plan better, as these criminals have ensured that they make Bloemfontein their permanent place of stay.”

It has been a week since Kamogelo was allegedly kidnapped by suspects impersonating police officers in Bloemfontein. One actually turned out to be a police officer and was linked to the case.

He was picked up from school by Daniel Malebatso, a driver working for his father, and they were allegedly followed and stopped near Vereeniging Drive. Malebatso alleged he heard a siren behind them and was then pulled over by the occupants of a white Toyota Hilux GD-6 double-cab bakkie, fitted with what was perceived to be blue police lights.

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 Malebatso’s Suzuki and the vehicle.

‘What steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents?’

“The residents of the Free State are sick and fed up with the surge of crime that threatens them daily,” said Van Niekerk. “The FF Plus appeals to the provincial commissioner to release a full report to the public on what the motive behind the kidnapping was, and what steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

There must be no tolerance within our criminal justice system for people who commit crimes against our vulnerable children, said DA Provincial Leader Roy Jankielsohn.

Such individuals must face the full brunt of the law. If police officers are found guilty, they must face harsher sentences since “they are people whom we entrust with our protection and that of our children”.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg