Sunday marks 10 days since the abduction of Free State Grade 11 learner, Kamogelo Baukudi, who was kidnapped by two men impersonating police officers in Bloemfontein. 

On Friday, the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court postponed the bail application of a police officer, 42-year-old Philemon Adoon, who allegedly kidnapped Kamogelo. The postponement until June 24 is to allow for the conclusion of the identification parade. 

Kamogelo was on his way home from a Bloemfontein school for children with special needs when two men posing as police officers took him.

Authorities said despite the tireless efforts of the police to locate him, Kamogelo remains missing.

Free State Education MEC, Manthlake Julia Maboya, has made an appeal to community members to assist police in finding Kamogelo and bringing him back home safely. 

“We’re also concerned and we would like to make an appeal to the members of the public to assist us, to assist the police, to assist the family, so that we bring back this boy to the family and back to the school,” said Maboya.

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A prayer service was held at Kamogelo’s school, Martie du Plessis Special School in Fitchardpark, to show support for the family and Kamogelo during this difficult time.

The Free State education department said it is working closely with the police and other stakeholders to ensure Kamogelo’s safe return. 

A search task team has been launched to find Kamogelo and the suspects.

“We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. We appeal to all stakeholders to work together to support Kamogelo’s family during this challenging period,” said Maboya.

“The department’s priority is Kamogelo’s safety, and we are committed to working with the police to bring him home.”

Last week, IOL reported that provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, said the teenager was kidnapped after he was collected from school.

“The complainant, Daniel Malebatso, arrived at Marti Du Plessis School in Fitchardpark as usual to fetch Kamogelo Baukudi, who is a Grade 11 learner at the school. The two left the school premises with Kamogelo driving the Suzuki Ertiga,” Covane said. 

He said the two pulled over the Suzuki after hearing police sirens. 

“Whilst driving along Vereeniging Drive, Erlichpark Extension, Daniel (Malebatso) alleges that they heard a siren sound from behind, and they were pulled over by a white Toyota Hilux GD-6 double cab. Inside the Toyota Hilux, there were two unknown male persons; one wearing a police uniform and the other a blue tracksuit,” he said.

Malebatso told police the bakkie the kidnappers were travelling in was fitted with blue lights on the grill and what looked to be a police radio inside. 

“The suspect wearing the police uniform confronted Daniel Malebatso and informed him that the Suzuki Ertiga they were driving together with Kamogelo was suspected of delivering drugs. The suspects then separated Daniel and Kamogelo, and instructed Daniel to drive in front whilst they followed from behind to the Park Road police station,” Covane said. 

Both vehicles turned back and drove in the direction of Vereeniging Drive. 

Malebatso said after a truck came between him and the alleged police vehicle, he never saw the Toyota Hilux bakkie again.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News  

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