On 27 June 2025, after weeks of relentless searching and growing public anxiety, Kamogelo Baukudi, the 19-year-old Grade 11 learner who had been kidnapped in Bloemfontein, was found alive. A massive police operation in Wepener, a town more than 100 kilometers from where he was abducted, led to his safe recovery and the arrest of five men believed to be involved in the crime.
The operation, described as intelligence-driven, unfolded in the early hours of the morning. Police located Kamogelo in Wepener, where they apprehended five African males aged between 20 and 29. Three of the suspects were discovered at a house in Kanana location, while the remaining two were intercepted on the road between Kwetla location and Wepener town, with Kamogelo still in their possession. He was found unharmed.
Kamogelo's disappearance had gripped the Free State province since 5 June 2025, when he was taken by individuals posing as police officers. The news of his safe return brought immense relief to his family, friends, the Martie du Plessis special school community, and law enforcement officials who had been working tirelessly on the case.
The events leading up to Kamogelo's kidnapping began as he was being driven home from school. Daniel Malebatso, a family friend, was picking him up from Martie du Plessis School, a specialized institution catering to children with special needs. As they were driving along Vereeniging Drive in Erlichpark Extension, a vehicle with a siren signaled them to stop. The occupants of the vehicle, posing as police officers, approached them.
These individuals claimed that they suspected the vehicle being used to transport Kamogelo was involved in drug-related activities. They instructed Kamogelo to get into their car, under the guise of taking him to the police station for further investigation. As they headed towards the supposed station, a truck maneuvered between the two vehicles, and in that moment of confusion, the kidnappers vanished with Kamogelo.
News of Kamogelo's disappearance spread quickly, sparking widespread concern and prompting a large-scale search operation. The South African Police Service (SAPS) deployed significant resources, establishing a dedicated multidisciplinary task team led by Major General Arthur Peter Adams, the Mangaung Metro District Commissioner. The sensitivity of the case led to restricted external communication to protect the integrity of the investigation.
As the days turned into weeks, the community's anxiety grew. Manthlake Julia Maboya, the Free State Education MEC, made repeated appeals to the public, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist the police in their efforts to locate Kamogelo. The department of education also launched a school safety campaign in response to the kidnapping.
The court proceedings against Adoon were marked by postponements. His bail application was initially postponed to 24 June 2025, to allow for an identity parade. It was then further postponed to 30 June 2025.
With the arrest of the five men in Wepener, the total number of suspects linked to the kidnapping rose to six. The suspects are expected to appear in court on 30 June 2025, facing charges related to kidnapping and extortion.
Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, the Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, praised the police officers for their dedication and hard work in ensuring Kamogelo's safe return. She emphasized the unwavering efforts of the team, who worked tirelessly to follow up on every lead despite intense public scrutiny.
Following his rescue, Kamogelo was reunited with his family. Police confirmed that he did not have any visible injuries but would undergo medical treatment to ensure his well-being. The investigation into the kidnapping is still ongoing, as authorities work to uncover all the details surrounding the crime and bring all those involved to justice.
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