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By Alicia Mmashakana
Police have apprehended five suspects in connection with the kidnapping on Grade 11 learner Kamogelo Baukudi, 19, earlier this month.
Bukudi was abducted on 5 June 2025 while on his way home from school along Verneeniging Drive in Bloemfontein.
His disappearance sparked a province-wide search, with a special task team led by Mangaung police commissioner Major General Arthur Peter Adams, working around the clock to track him down.
He was located and rescued in Wepener in the early hours of Friday morning.
“The safe recovery of young Kamogelo is a moment of great relief for the family, the community and all of us. I commend our members for their unwavering efforts, who worked tirelessly following up every lead under serious public scrutiny. We will ensure that justice is served,” said Free State provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane.
Also on Friday morning, the police raided a house in Kanana Location, Wepener, and arrested three suspects. Two more were arrested nearby while allegedly transporting Bukudi. The suspects are aged between 20 and 29.
The bust comes just weeks after a 42-year-old police sergeant was arrested and charged with kidnapping and extortion, making it six arrests in total.
The suspects face kidnapping and extortion charges and are set to appear in court alongside the arrested police officer on Monday.
Investigations are ongoing.
INSIDE EDUCATION