Fake cops Kidnap teen in broad daylight – SAPS on the hunt

Kamogelo Baukudi

Bloemfontein – A 19-year-old Grade 11 learner from Marti Du Plessis School was kidnapped on Thursday morning by two men impersonating police officers, prompting an urgent search by a dedicated SAPS task team.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, Kamogelo Baukudi was abducted at around 11:55am on 5 June while travelling with a friend, Daniel Malebatso, along Vereeniging Drive in the Erlichpark Extension area.

Malebatso told police he had fetched Kamogelo from school as usual, with Kamogelo driving a Suzuki Ertiga.

As they travelled, they were pulled over by a white Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab fitted with blue lights and what appeared to be a police radio.

“According to the complainant, the suspects’ bakkie was fitted with blue lights on the grill and what looked like a police radio inside.

“The suspect wearing police uniform confronted Daniel Malebatso and informed him that the Suzuki Ertiga they were driving in together with Kamogelo 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,” Covane said.

“Both vehicles turned back and drove in westerly direction in 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.

“Daniel recalls that one of the suspects was speaking Sesotho fluently and even mentioned the name “Thipe”. The cellphones of both Daniel and Kamogelo were found under the bridge on Ferrera Road.”

Malebatso described one of the suspects as speaking fluent Sesotho and reportedly mentioning the name “Thipe”.

A case of kidnapping and impersonating a police officer has been opened at Parkweg Police Station.

Police are urging anyone with information about Kamogelo Baukudi’s whereabouts or sightings of the white Toyota Hilux to come forward.

“Members of the public with any information that may assist in locating Kamogelo are urged to contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 526 2713. Alternatively, tips can be submitted via the MySAPS App or by calling the Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” said Covane.

The investigation is ongoing.

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