The police in Free State have confirmed that a 42-year-old police officer has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi. Police say that the teenager was kidnapped on Thursday after he was collected from school by two unknown men wearing police uniforms. 

VIDEO | Breakthrough in Kamogelo Baukudi’s abduction

Free State Police Spokesperson Motantsi Makhele says the arrest was made after the vehicle used to abduct Baukudi was linked to the officer.

Makhele added that more arrests are imminent and the suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Monday. 

“We can confirm that the 42-year-old police official was picked up and was questioned, and later, there was a decision taken out of what prevailed through that interrogation, that he will be detained and charged with kidnapping. We expect him to appear in court on Monday, facing the charge of kidnapping,” Makhele said. 

#sapsFS A Search Task Team has launched a search for 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, who was #kidnapped by two males impersonating the police earlier today along Vereeniging Drive Erlichpark Extension. The suspects were driving a White Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab with one wearing… pic.twitter.com/Ha1b6gjtTJ

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 5, 2025