Kamogelo Baukudi, a 19-year-old student from the Free State, was rescued by police on Friday morning after being kidnapped over 20 days ago. Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, a spokesperson for the provincial police, announced that five suspects have been apprehended during an early morning operation based on intelligence-driven information.
“We launched an operation in a specific area, leading to the arrest of five individuals. Three of the suspects were located on the road alongside the victim in one of the townships,” Makhele explained. “The other two suspects were found in a house within the same township. Currently, they are being processed at the Wepener police station. Kamogelo is safe and with a parent.”
Makhele noted that the teenager showed no visible injuries at the time of his rescue, although he will receive medical attention to ensure his well-being.
Earlier this month, reports indicated that the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court had postponed the bail application for Philemon Adoon, a 42-year-old police officer accused of kidnapping Kamogelo. Makhele mentioned that the police are interrogating the suspects to determine any connections to Adoon.
Kamogelo was abducted while returning home from a school for children with special needs in Bloemfontein, where two men, posing as police officers, took him. Free State Education MEC Manthlake Julia Maboya had previously urged the community to assist in locating Kamogelo and ensuring his safe return. “We are concerned and appeal to the public to help the police and the family in bringing this boy back home and to school,” said Maboya.
