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The Citizen
03-07-2025
- The Citizen
Police sergeant arrested in Kamogelo Baukudi kidnapping case issued suspension letter
The court also heard testimony detailing the movements of the police vehicle assigned to the officer. Public Order Police (POPs) members at the Tshwane Police Training Academy on 15 June 2024. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu The police sergeant arrested in connection with the disappearance of high school pupil Kamogelo Baukudi has received a suspension letter. Nzima Adoons appeared again in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Thursday for the continuation of his bail application. The 42-year-old police officer faces charges of kidnapping and extortion related to the teenager's abduction. He was arrested on 8 June. Kamogelo Baukudi's disappearance Baukudi had been missing for several weeks after being kidnapped by two suspects posing as police officers in Bloemfontein on 5 June. According to South African Police Service (Saps), the Grade 11 pupil was on his way home from Marti Du Plessis School in Fichardt Park, being transported by Daniel Malebatso, when their Suzuki Ertiga was stopped by a white Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab. The incident occurred on Vereeniging Drive in Ehrlich Park. ALSO READ: Kamogelo Baukudi: Missing teen needed for ID parade, case postponed The two individuals, pretending to be police officers, accused Malebatso and Baukudi of using their vehicle to transport drugs. They then took the 19-year-old into their Toyota Hilux and instructed Malebatso to drive to Park Road Police Station. Both Malebatso and Baukudi's cellphones were later discovered under a bridge on Ferrera Road. Cop receives suspension letter During Thursday's proceedings, Adoons' legal representative, Adriaan Van Rensburg, informed the court that his client had been issued a letter of intention to suspend. The state clarified the nature of the letter, stating it did not mean the officer had officially been suspended but rather that he had the opportunity to respond to the allegations. 'He's just invited to give reasons why such a process should not be followed on the basis of misconduct and was even afforded legal representation should he wish to pursue,' the prosecutor explained. Vehicle tracking evidence The investigating officer later testified about the police vehicle assigned to Adoons. The officer explained that a description of the vehicle had been provided and based on standard procedures as well as supply chain records, it was possible to determine which vehicles were allocated to whom. He confirmed that the tinted-window Toyota Hilux belonged to Saps' anti-gang unit. Tracking records linked the vehicle to the crime scene and were made available to the investigating team. READ MORE: Kidnapped Kamogelo Baukudi found alive The investigator revealed that no other vehicles matching the description were found in the vicinity during the time of Baukudi's kidnapping. The officer also testified that the vehicle assigned to Adoons matched the location of the car the teenager was travelling in at the time of the incident. 'The only vehicle that was identified to be at the scene, at the same time with the Suzuki, is this JCS 216 FS vehicle. 'This vehicle had the same movement with the victim's vehicle. The time and coordinates are the same.' Earlier in the week, Adoons took the stand and denied any knowledge of Baukudi's abduction. Kamogelo Baukudi rescued Baukudi was found alive last Friday in Wepener, leading to the arrest of five men aged between 20 and 29. Three suspects were apprehended at a house in Kanana, while two others were intercepted on the road between Kwetla and Wepener with the high school pupil. However, all five suspects were released from custody this week, as no direct link to the crime could be established. Their case was not enrolled in court, and investigations are ongoing. NOW READ: Baby Mogamat Imaad Shamar found after kidnapping ordeal
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- The Citizen
Kidnapped Kamogelo Baukudi found alive, police confirm
Six suspects have been arrested. 19 year old Kamogelo Baukudi has been found alive. Picture: Saps The South African Police Service (Saps) has made a major breakthrough and confirmed that the kidnapped 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, 19, has been found alive. The grade 11 pupil from Martie du Plessis School was found alive early on Friday morning, six weeks after he went missing. Baukudi was found by police following a coordinated rescue operation in the Free State. Found alive Police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said they are relieved that Baukudi has been found. 'After weeks of intensive investigation, Kamogelo was safely located and rescued in Wepener in the early hours of this morning, 27 June 2025. During this intelligence-driven operation, five African males aged between 20 and 29 were arrested. ALSO READ: Police make breakthrough in search for kidnapped Kamogelo Baukudi 'Three suspects were apprehended at a house in Kanana Location, Wepener, while two others were caught on the road between Kwetla Location and Wepener town — with the victim in their possession,' Makhele said. Arrests Makhele added that this brings the total number of arrests in the case to six. 'The first suspect, a 42-year-old police sergeant, who was previously arrested, appeared in court charged with kidnapping and extortion'. 'The suspects face charges related to kidnapping, extortion and will join the police sergeant in court on Monday, 30 June 2025. The investigation continues,' Makhele said. Praise Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, commended the hard work of this team 'The safe recovery of young Kamogelo is a moment of great relief for the family, the community, and all of us. I commend our members for their unwavering efforts, who worked tirelessly following up every lead under serious public scrutiny. We will ensure that justice is served.' ALSO READ: Kidnapped Gqeberha woman Lindsay Knowlden reunited with family Kidnapping A police task team was established to search for Baukudi, who was abducted on Thursday, 5 June 2025, while driving home from school in Vereeniging Drive, Bloemfontein. Police spokesperson Colonel Brigadier Athlenda Mathe at the time said a complainant identified as Daniel Malebatso arrived at Marti Du Plessis School in Fitchardpark as usual to fetch Baukudi, a grade 11 pupil at the school. Task team Mathe said the duo left the school premises with Baukudi, driving the Suzuki Ertiga. 'Whilst driving along Vereeniging Drive Erlichpark Extension, Daniel alleges that they heard a siren sound from behind, and they were pulled over by a White Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab.' Baukudi's disappearance triggered widespread concern and led to the establishment of a dedicated multidisciplinary task team under the leadership of the Mangaung Metro District Commissioner, Major General Arthur Peter Adams. ALSO READ: Gauteng family pleads for safe return of their little daughter
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- The Citizen
Missing teen needed to conduct ID parade, case postponed
This marks another delay in Baukudi's case that has already experienced a postponement due to outstanding procedural issues. 19 year old Kamogelo Baukudi was kidnapped in Vereeniging on Thursday. Picture: Saps A police officer's kidnapping case has stalled after the court heard that the missing teenager, who is needed to identify the accused in an identification parade, has not been found. The case against 42-year-old police officer Philemon Adoon, charged with kidnapping and extortion in connection with the disappearance of 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, was postponed to 24 June 2025 following Friday's brief appearance at the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court. The court was told that the missing Free State teenager, Baukudi, was required to participate in an ID parade to identify the suspect — a process that cannot proceed while his whereabouts remain unknown. Details of kidnapping Baukudi was kidnapped on Thursday, 5 June 2025 and remains missing. According to police reports, the teen was kidnapped by two suspects impersonating police officers. Police spokesperson Colonel Brigadier Athlenda Mathe previously revealed that a complainant, identified as Daniel Malebatso, fetched Baukudi from Marti Du Plessis School in Fitchardpark as usual. After Malebatso and Baukudi left the school, Mathe said the complainant stated that the pair was followed and subsequently pulled over by a White Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab. Two men, one in a police uniform and one in blue tracksuits, emerged from the vehicle and approached Baukudi and Malebatso. Mathe said the suspect, wearing a police uniform, confronted Malebatso and told him that the Suzuki Ertiga they were driving together with Baukudi was suspected of delivering drugs. 'The suspects then separated Daniel and Kamogelo and instructed Daniel to drive at the front whilst they followed from behind to Park Road Police Station. 'Both vehicles turned back and drove in a westerly direction [on] Vereeniging Drive. Daniel alleges that a truck went in between the Suzuki he was driving and the Toyota Hilux, and he never saw it again,' Mathe said. Court's frustration with delays in Baukudi case According to Newzroom Afrika, the magistrate expressed dissatisfaction with the unfolding situation during Friday's proceedings. The court reportedly indicated that if police have not conducted the required identification parade by the third appearance, proceedings will continue without following that procedure. This marks another delay in a case that has already experienced a postponement due to outstanding procedural issues. Adoon previously appeared in court on Monday before the case was postponed to Friday for bail information and further investigation. Police reportedly confirmed that the only person eligible to conduct the ID parade would be Baukudi himself, creating an impossible situation given his continued absence. ALSO READ: Police make breakthrough in search for kidnapped Kamogelo Baukudi Baukudi family's mounting anguish The procedural impasse has intensified the suffering of Baukudi's family, who were present in court and visibly devastated by the continued delays. A representative from the South African Funeral Practitioners Association, where Baukudi's mother holds membership, spoke about the family's deteriorating emotional state. 'She is devastated, and the entire family is devastated. Similar [to] us, as a parent, we got into issues, and we understand how she's feeling,' the former chairperson of the association, who was providing support to the family, told Newzroom Afrika. The representative made clear their singular objective: 'So we are here for just one purpose, to demand the release, an unconditional one for that matter, of Kamogelo Baukudi.' Patience running thin The repeated court postponements have tested the family's endurance beyond limits. The association representative expressed growing frustration with the legal delays, stating they were 'disappointed by the postponement today because our interest is one. The child must come back. We need the child.' 'Our patience is running out. Every second that passes without us having the child back is an agony to us and to the family,' the representative added. ALSO READ: Police probe multiple murders after three bodies found in Tshepisong veld Baukudi case investigation details withheld Police have declined to provide updates on their search for Baukudi, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation. Authorities stated they are withholding information to avoid potentially compromising the case at this critical juncture. Prior to Friday's proceedings, police spokesperson, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, had said Adoon could not be identified. According to Makhele, this was requested by the investigating team and further ordered by the court. ALSO READ: Off-duty police officer dead, another injured in KZN murder suicide ALSO READ: Police launch search for teen kidnapped by fake cops in Vereeniging Police seek public assistance in finding missing teen 'The Saps continues to prioritise his safe return as a matter of utmost urgency,' said Makhele. Law enforcement has requested the public's assistance for information that could be used in the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the following numbers: Lieutenant Colonel Kelaotswe Lebodi on 082 527 6348, Lieutenant Colonel David Ramasoala on 082 527 7390 or Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme on 082 526 2713. Those who wish to remain anonymous may send their tips via the MySaps App or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111. NOW READ: Mchunu unveils bold Saps restructure to tackle crime and corruption
The South African
09-06-2025
- The South African
Sergeant nabbed in connection with missing teen
A 42-year-old police sergeant has been arrested by the Bloemfontein South African Police Service, in connection with the alleged kidnapping of 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi. The arrest comes four days after the teenager and grade 11 learner was reported missing. The Provincial Police Commissioner in the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, has vowed that SAPS will uncover the full truth behind the alleged kidnapping. Lieutenant General Motswenyane said, 'This investigation has now entered a crucial phase. The involvement of any SAPS member in criminal acts will not be tolerated. Culprits will be held accountable – even if they are within our own ranks.' The South African first broke the story of Baukudi on Friday, 6 June 2025. It had been just a few hours after he had been reported missing. Daniel Malebatso, who had fetched Baukudi from Marti Du Plessis School that day, told police that they were driving on Vereeniging Drive, near Erlichpark Extension, when they were stopped by police sirens. Malebatso alleged they were pulled over by a White Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab. He told the police that he saw two unknown male persons inside the vehicle. Malebatso said one of the men was wearing a police uniform while the other wore blue tracksuits. When The South African first reported on the story, Malebatso claimed that the suspect who was wearing a police uniform said their vehicle was suspected of drug trafficking. He alleged that Baukudi was then taken into 'the police vehicle' by the other two officers. Malebatso alleged that the officers instructed him to drive in front of them as both vehicles convoyed en route to Park Road Police Station. 'Malebatso alleges that a truck went in-between the Suzuki he was driving and the Toyota Hilux and he never saw it again,' said national SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. The police found cellphones belonging to both Malebatso and Baukudi discarded under a bridge on Ferrera Road. The Parkweg Police Station has since opened a docket of kidnapping and impersonating the police. 'Kamogelo has not been seen since and the SAPS continues to prioritise his safe return as a matter of utmost urgency,' said Mathe. SAPS are pleading with anyone who might have information that can help locate Kamogelo Baukudi, to come forward. If you have any information, contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 5262 713. The information can also be submitted on MySAPS App or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 as an alternative. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
06-06-2025
- The South African
Bloem teenager allegedly taken by unknown men in SAPS uniform
Police in Bloemfontein are searching for 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, who was allegedly kidnapped by two men impersonating officers on Thursday afternoon. He was immediately reported missing. 'The complainant, Daniel Malebatso, arrived at Marti Du Plessis School in Fitchardpark as usual, to fetch Baukudi who is a Grade 11 learner at the school,' said SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. According to Mathe, Malebatso left the school with the teenager and they were driving in a Suzuki Ertiga. Malebatso said while driving on Vereeniging Drive near Erlichpark Extension, they suddenly heard a siren going off behind them. He said they were pulled over by a White Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab. He alleges that he saw two male persons inside the vehicle and insists that their identities are unknown to him. However he said that one of the men was wearing a police uniform while the other wore blue tracksuits. 'According to the complainant, the suspects bakkie was fitted with blue lights on the grill and what looked like a police radio inside,' said Mathe. According to Malebatso, the suspect who was wearing a police uniform confronted him and informed him that the vehicle they were driving in was suspected of drug trafficking. He alleges the two 'officers' then separated him from Baukudi. Malebatso claims he was instructed to drive in front of the 'police vehicle', while they followed behind him en route to Park Road Police Station. 'Both vehicles turned back and drove in westerly direction in Vereeniging Drive. Malebatso alleges that a truck went in-between the Suzuki he was driving and the Toyota Hilux and he never saw it again,' said Mathe. 'Malebatso recalls that one of the suspects was speaking Sesotho fluently and even mentioned the name 'Thipe',' said Mathe She said the cellphones belonging to both Malebatso and Baukudi were found under the bridge on Ferrera Road. A case of kidnapping and impersonating the police has since been opened at Parkweg Police Station. Police are pleading with anyone who might have information that can help locate Kamogelo Baukudi, to come forward. If you have any information, contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 5262 713. Alternatively the information can be submitted on MySAPS App or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
