-
Grade 11 learner from the Martie du Plessis Special Needs School, Kamogelo Baukudi.
Police in the Free State say that they have beefed up the special task team assembled to solve the case of missing 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi.
This after police confirmed that a 42-year-old police officer has been arrested in connection with Baukudi’s disappearance.
He is set to appear at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s court today.
Baukudi was allegedly abducted by two unknown males on Thursday in Bloemfontein on his way home from school.
His driver reported that two males, one wearing a police uniform, forced them to stop and identified themselves as police officers.
The police officer was brought in for questioning after being linked to the vehicle used in the abduction.
Free State Police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele says they have beefed up the special task team assembled to solve the case.
Makhele says they are hopeful to make a breakthrough soon.
“We have deployed maximum resources within this team which is being led by Major General Adams in an effort to locate 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi. The team is clear and uncompromised – the mandate is to bring Kamo home safe, alive and apprehend whoever is behind this barbaric act. According to the provincial commissioner, the investigation has reached a very critical stage and all we can do is to support the community and the family at large.”
Safety concerns
Baukudi’s disappearance has left the community of Bloemfontein with more questions than answers.
Safety is now a big concern. A prayer for his safe return was held by his schoolmates and teachers.
Prayer service for Kamogelo Baukudi’s safe return:
Lehakwe Dumako who is a friend, says Baukudi is a fighter.
“And one thing I want to tell him is, don’t give up. Wherever you are, we are praying for you. We know you will find your way back home and when you come back, we know you will make jokes about it, but we love you and we wish you to come back safely.”
Teachers are equally affected. Sonja Steward, who is a grade 11 departmental head, says they want him back alive.
“We just want him back safe and alive. He is a good, bubbly person. We are praying for his safe return.”
Kamogelo Baukudi | A close friend sends out a message of strength and hope:
Education Department welcomes progress
Meanwhile, the Department of Education in the Free State province has commended the swift response by the police following the arrest of the police officer.
Provincial Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba says they welcome progress made in the investigations.
“Our prayers and thoughts go out to the learner and family in this challenging time. We are appealing to the members of the community to work together with the police to make sure that the perpetrators of this matter are brought to book.”
The Education Department says it’s giving psycho-social support to both learners and teachers.
