Authorities in Bloemfontein are on high alert as a task team from the South African Police Service (SAPS) intensifies its search for 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, who was allegedly abducted by two men impersonating police officers on Thursday. The alarming incident occurred around 11.55 am at the Martie du Plessis Special School in Fichardt Park, where Baukudi, a Grade 11 pupil, was awaiting pickup.
According to the official report from Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, the complainant, identified as Daniel Malebatso, arrived as usual to collect Baukudi. Shortly after departing the school premises, the pair was abruptly pulled over by a white Toyota Hilux GD-6 double cab. The occupants of this vehicle—two unidentified males, one dressed in a police uniform and the other in a blue tracksuit—allegedly displayed blue lights on the grill and appeared to possess a police radio.
“The suspect wearing the police uniform confronted Malebatso, claiming the Suzuki Ertiga they were travelling in was suspected of being involved in drug delivery activities,” explained Covane. The situation escalated as the suspects instructed Malebatso to drive ahead of them towards the Park Road police station, further separating him from Baukudi. Upon reaching Vereeniging Drive, the unsettling turn of events took a dramatic twist.
As they journeyed on, Malebatso reported that a truck unexpectedly interposed between their vehicles, resulting in him losing sight of the Hilux. In a chilling detail, he recounted that one of the suspects fluently spoke Sesotho, mentioning a name, “Thipe”. Subsequently, both Malebatso’s and Baukudi’s cellphones were discovered discarded under a bridge on Ferreira Road.
In response to this troubling incident, police have launched a court case of kidnapping and impersonation against the alleged assailants, which has been opened at the Parkweg police station. The SAPS are urging members of the public who may have seen anything suspicious along Vereeniging Drive or who have pertinent information to step forward. Those with insights are encouraged to contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082-5262-713 or report through the MySAPS app or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600-10111.
The case highlights a worrying trend amid increasing crime rates in the region, as recent statistics indicate a surge in kidnappings across Gauteng, with a noted rise of 15.8% between January and March compared to the previous year.