More than a week later, no signs of Kamogelo Baukudi

It is more than a week since the alleged kidnapping of the 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi and concerns about his safe return home are escalating.

The grade 11 learner from Martie Du Plessis Special School at Fichardt Park, Bloemfontein, was allegedly kidnapped by two males driving a bakkie purporting to be police officers.

Police investigation led to the swift arrest of a 42-year-old police sergeant, who already appeared twice in Bloemfontein Magistrate’s court but there are still no signs of the missing teen.

Despite the police efforts the community members expressed concern about the safety of their children.

“It is painful as a parent because you don’t know what to do when such a thing happens. I feel sorry for his parents. I really feel for them. If this is affecting us and we are experiencing fit from a distance, I can only imagine how his whole family must be feeling. For now it’s traumatising even to us as the community of Bloemfontein. This gives the impression that all kids are not safe and run a risk of being kidnapped.”

Psychologist Sa Chweneemang says the behaviour of men in our societies is questionable and under scrutiny.

“You expect men to be providers, but opportunities are not there, and they end up experiencing a lot of emotional distress. They experience frustration because of expectations that are put on them. These are demonstrating a kind of psychological problem that men are having at the moment. These are urgent things that need to be addressed and dealt with.”

Free State Police Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane are optimistic about the safe return of Baukudi.

“The mandate is very clear that we have to find Kamogelo alive. As you know that we have arrested one of our own. A Sergeant from Bloemfontein, who is connected to the kidnapping and the extortion on Kamogelo. But I want to assure the community around here the team is working around the clock. Even from here. I’m going to join the team and hopefully today we will find Kamogelo alive.”

Despite being deeply concerned the Free State Department of Education spokesperson, Howard Ndaba welcomed the police investigation.

“We are also making an appeal as the MEC has urged the public to assist with the investigation. The government of the Free State has to make sure that the boy comes back home safe and he’s integrated with his family.”

Ezinye izakhamuzi e-Bloemfontein zithi akangayitholi ibheyili osolwa ngokuthumba u-Kamogelo Baukudi. Umsolwa oneminyaka engamashumi amane nambili ubudala oyiphoyisa ubevele enkantolo yemantshi e-Bloemfontein eyofaka isicelo sebheyili. pic.twitter.com/LbZVnxrqia

— SABC izindaba (@SABCizindaba) June 13, 2025