Free State police seek help finding kidnapped learner
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Free State is urgently appealing for public help to locate 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, a Grade 11 learner from Martie du Plessis Special School in Bloemfontein, who was kidnapped on June 5, 2025, on Vereeniging Drive in Erlichpark Extension.
Baukudi was being driven home by his caretaker, Daniel Malebatso, in a silver Suzuki Ertiga when they were intercepted by a white Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab, later confirmed as SAPS property, equipped with blue lights and a police-style radio.
Two men, one wearing a police uniform and the other in a blue tracksuit, claimed the Ertiga was involved in drug trafficking.
They separated Baukudi from Malebatso, forcing Baukudi into the Hilux while instructing Malebatso to drive ahead toward Park Road Police Station.
A truck reportedly cut between the vehicles, and the Hilux, with Baukudi inside, disappeared. Both Baukudi’s and Malebatso’s cellphones were later found discarded under a bridge on Ferreira Road. One suspect, speaking fluent Sesotho, mentioned the name “Thipe,” a detail police are pursuing.
On June 8, SAPS arrested a 42-year-old police sergeant, Philemon Adoon, from the provincial anti-gang unit, after linking him to the SAPS-issued Hilux used in the kidnapping. Adoon faces charges of kidnapping and extortion, as he allegedly contacted Baukudi’s mother demanding a ransom.
He appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on June 9, where the case was postponed to June 13, 2025 for a bail hearing, and he remained in custody.
On June 13, the case was further postponed to June 24, due to the need for an identification parade, which cannot proceed without Baukudi, who remains missing.
Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane has vowed to uncover the full truth, emphasizing that SAPS members involved in crimes will face accountability.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 526 2713, Lieutenant Colonel Kelaotswe Lebodi at 082 527 6348, Lieutenant Colonel David Ramasoala at 082 027 7390, or use the MySAPS App or SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Anonymous tips are welcomed, and police stress that any information, including sightings of the white Toyota Hilux GD-6, could be critical to Baukudi’s safe return.
JOBURG BREE STREET 24 MONTHS AFTER DISASTER:
City of Jhb Bree Street collapsed on 19 July 2023 and still not fixed now 3 times over budget. Meanwhile millions have been looted.
A desperate Grade 11 pupil contacted me today.
He says he may be forced to drop out of school because his father allegedly can’t - or won’t - pay for transport anymore.
He lives on the Bluff, the school is in Chatsworth.
I have the teenager’s details if someone is able to assist him.
This is his version of events.
@DBE_KZN
Police are searching for a motorist implicated in the death of a man following a dispute.
The incident took place in Rivonia, Sandton, JHB.
The victim was run over and died.
⚠️ Graphic:
#CrimeWatch
She says her Nigerian father stole her after her South African mother died. She's been seeing flames since and is asking for help to locate her mother's family. 🥺
What is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo is evil, and it is sad that African voices are quiet when their own people are dying like this, yet they make noise about conflicts away from the continent.
Is African life less important than any other, is the death of a black person insignificant?
Are you ashamed of speaking for your own people, only to suddenly find your voice when bad things happen elsewhere away from the continent?
History will never respect Africans for allowing this to happen on their watch, especially those with voices who would rather be seen writing about conflicts elsewhere!
My cousin was almost kidnapped in Hatfield today. Two Nigerian men came out the car and grabbed her and her friend. Luckily they let her go but they took her friend. She was found dead in Hillcrest with her private parts cut out. Guys? I’m in so much shock
More than 41,800 people have been killed in a year of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The health ministry in Gaza has confirmed the identities of more than 34,000 of them. Here are their names.
🚨Please Help🚨
"My heart is heavy and my mind is racing. I was playing tennis at UP Hillcrust campus when a thief broke into my car and stole two bags containing two HP laptops with my personal identification and bank cards.
The culprit proceeded to Hatfield Liquor to purchase alcohol and then to Mamelodi, using my card at Club 929 pub, Phela ke Phele, and Aunty Janes.
The laptops contain years of hard work, personal information, and business data. I pray that the thief does not use my identity to commit further crimes. The police and UP security have been informed, but I am still in desperate need of assistance.
I have seen the power of social media in bringing justice to victims, and I am begging the public to help me find this criminal. If you have any information or can identify the suspect from the liquor store footage, please contact the police or share this post.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for any assistance you can offer."
Please help us find katlego phiri, was last seen Saturday playing with his friends at Rock Dale(Nkandla) Middleburg.
He was wearing a black Jean, green t-shirt n flip flops.
If you've seen or know anything please contact
Mr phiri - 072 893 2439
Mam phiri-082 220 3926
Your help will be highly appreciated 🙏