logo
Sergeant nabbed in connection with missing teen

Sergeant nabbed in connection with missing teen

A 42-year-old police sergeant has been arrested by the Bloemfontein South African Police Service, in connection with the alleged kidnapping of 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi.
The arrest comes four days after the teenager and grade 11 learner was reported missing. The Provincial Police Commissioner in the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, has vowed that SAPS will uncover the full truth behind the alleged kidnapping.
Lieutenant General Motswenyane said, 'This investigation has now entered a crucial phase. The involvement of any SAPS member in criminal acts will not be tolerated. Culprits will be held accountable – even if they are within our own ranks.'
The South African first broke the story of Baukudi on Friday, 6 June 2025. It had been just a few hours after he had been reported missing.
Daniel Malebatso, who had fetched Baukudi from Marti Du Plessis School that day, told police that they were driving on Vereeniging Drive, near Erlichpark Extension, when they were stopped by police sirens.
Malebatso alleged they were pulled over by a White Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab. He told the police that he saw two unknown male persons inside the vehicle. Malebatso said one of the men was wearing a police uniform while the other wore blue tracksuits.
When The South African first reported on the story, Malebatso claimed that the suspect who was wearing a police uniform said their vehicle was suspected of drug trafficking. He alleged that Baukudi was then taken into 'the police vehicle' by the other two officers.
Malebatso alleged that the officers instructed him to drive in front of them as both vehicles convoyed en route to Park Road Police Station.
'Malebatso alleges that a truck went in-between the Suzuki he was driving and the Toyota Hilux and he never saw it again,' said national SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
The police found cellphones belonging to both Malebatso and Baukudi discarded under a bridge on Ferrera Road. The Parkweg Police Station has since opened a docket of kidnapping and impersonating the police.
'Kamogelo has not been seen since and the SAPS continues to prioritise his safe return as a matter of utmost urgency,' said Mathe.
SAPS are pleading with anyone who might have information that can help locate Kamogelo Baukudi, to come forward. If you have any information, contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 5262 713.
The information can also be submitted on MySAPS App or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 as an alternative.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Why reporting crimes is crucial: Insights from a recent hijacking incident
Why reporting crimes is crucial: Insights from a recent hijacking incident

IOL News

time36 minutes ago

  • IOL News

Why reporting crimes is crucial: Insights from a recent hijacking incident

A hijacked Toyota Hilux was recovered and returned to the owner. Image: Marshall Security Marshall Security urges residents and visitors to understand the importance of reporting crimes and opening formal cases with the police. This was after a hijacked Toyota Hilux was recovered and returned to the owner, who chose not to open a case with the police. Armed suspects hijacked the vehicle around 12pm on Boxwood Place in the Sea Cow Lake area on Monday. Marshall Security managing director Tyron Powell said the firm's Special Operations Team (SOT) was activated by Tracker SA at approximately 12.56pm to assist in locating the hijacked vehicle. Powell said the vehicle was recovered on the N2 South, near the Inanda Road off-ramp, following a coordinated response by Marshall Security's SOT, Greenwood Park SAPS, and Tracker SA ground team, and assisted by other private security. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Upon inspection, the vehicle was found still loaded with food and cold drink stock. It remains unclear if any goods were stolen during the hijacking,' Powell said. 'The vehicle owner opted not to open a case with the SAPS, and the vehicle was returned.' Powell added: 'Filing a report does more than secure justice — it enables law enforcement to gather accurate crime data, prosecute offenders, and prevent future incidents. Without a case, crimes go unrecorded, and patterns of criminal activity remain hidden. 'Opening a case ensures that suspects are held accountable and that crime prevention efforts can be properly directed to high-risk areas.' A suspect was arrested after he was caught driving a stolen Toyota Cross in uMhlanga. Image: Marshall Security Meanwhile, a suspect was arrested for possessing a stolen Toyota Cross in uMhlanga on Friday. Powell said that at approximately 7.15pm, the SOT received intelligence about a suspicious silver Toyota Cross circulating in the Gateway precinct. The SOT, Durban North SAPS and Excellerate Security members were deployed to find the vehicle. Officers observed a silver Toyota Cross on Twilight Drive at 9.15pm. Subsequently, they performed a safe stop of the vehicle on Twilight Road. 'A check of the registration plates showed they were registered to an SAPS provincial vehicle, yet the driver could not provide any police credentials,' Powell said. 'Durban North SAPS officers conducted a VIN scan that confirmed the car is positively listed in a Sydenham theft-of-motor-vehicle case opened on May 4, 2025, identifying it as a stolen Toyota Cross.' A suspect was arrested after he was caught driving a stolen Toyota Cross in uMhlanga. Image: Marshall Security The suspect and vehicle were taken to the Durban North police station for further questioning and processing. 'Friday's swift, intelligence-led response highlights the effective collaboration between Marshall Security, Durban North SAPS, and Excellerate Security in removing stolen vehicles — and those responsible — from our roads to keep the community safer,' added Powell. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal police, confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old man found in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle. The vehicle was reportedly stolen on Theresa Road in Sydenham on May 4, 2025. 'He appeared in the Durban Magistrate's Court on June 9, 2025,' Netshiunda said.

Get to know the young men and women in blue during youth month
Get to know the young men and women in blue during youth month

The Citizen

time2 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Get to know the young men and women in blue during youth month

Get to know the young men and women in blue during youth month This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) joins the country in observing Youth Month by celebrating its young men and women in blue who go above and beyond the call of duty. Today, we introduce the nation to 32-year-old Constable Kgomotso Monnamorwa, an operator attached to the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit in Potchefstroom, North West. Having joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2022, Kgomotso as affectionately known, believes that with an abundance of careers in the Service, one needs just potential and commitment to contribute immensely towards creating a safe and secure environment for the people of South Africa. Monnamorwa who was born and brought up in Mokasa II village, Taung, has been part of the SAPS family for the last three years following her recruitment on 1 April 2022. Ordinarily, working at Public Order Police (POP) has its own challenges, considering that the Unit is primarily responsible for combating crime and maintaining public order. Nevertheless, that did not discourage Monnamorwa to accept with both hands her permanent placement at the POP Unit. When she is not performing crowd management duties or combating crime in the field, the resourceful officer is responsible for the Loss Management and Moveable Government Property duties in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) Section. Her duties include but not limited to ensuring that the Unit has enough resources and that the available ones are used optimally and in an accountable manner. Monnamorwa who is also known as 'Momo', obtained her BA Degree in Psychology and Sociology, which she completed in 2019 at North West University. With her determination to equipping herself academically, the member is considering pursuing a career in the Psychology field. She believes that there is so much to learn and is passionately committed about developing herself within the Service and uplifting her fellow members. Having been in the SAPS for three years, Monnamorwa's message to the youth is that: 'There are so many career opportunities within the SAPS; you just need to realise your true potential, study and work smart towards achieving your aspirations. The SAPS does not tie you to the field of work only, but allows you to be in charge of your future while continuing to ensure the safety and security of the community. Be disciplined, accountable and Serve with purpose.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Thabiso Zulu's vindication: Hitman's confession reveals state involvement in Magaqa's assassination
Thabiso Zulu's vindication: Hitman's confession reveals state involvement in Magaqa's assassination

IOL News

time2 hours ago

  • IOL News

Thabiso Zulu's vindication: Hitman's confession reveals state involvement in Magaqa's assassination

. Whistle-blower and former ANC Youth League Harry Gwala region secretary, Thabiso Zulu, testified at the Moerane Commission about Sindiso Magaqa's assassination. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Media A prominent anti-corruption activist, Thabiso Zulu, who was also Sindiso Magaqa's close friend, says he is vindicated by the revelation of the state's hand in the murder of the former ANC Youth League leader. Last week, in his confession under oath in the Pietermaritzburg High Court, the hitman, Sibusiso Ncengwa, revealed shocking details about the role played by the SAPS's Crime Intelligence Unit members in the planning and execution of the killing in 2017. Ncengwa, businessman Mbulelo Mpofana, former policeman Sibonelo Myeza, and Mlungisi Ncalane were arrested in 2018 and charged with Magaqa's murder, who, at the time, was an ANC councillor in Umzimkhulu Local Municipality.. The hitman disclosed the chilling SAPS involvement in the murder as well as the role played by National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) officials in ensuring the case's demise. He also named the late Harry Gwala District Municipality mayor, Mluleki Ndobe, and former Umzimkhulu Local Municipality manager, Zweliphansi Skhosana, as the masterminds, who paid just over a million rand for a hit on Magaqa. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Detailing the police's role, Ncengwa said that, using its slush funds, the police bought the AK-47 that they used to kill Magaqa. He also said they bought a Mercedes-Benz that was used to travel to Umzimkhulu and Durban. He said the police also ensured that no police members would arrest them on their way to Durban on the day of the shooting of Magaqa by escorting their vehicle, adding that the police officer who escorted them was paid R20,000. The hitman provided details about the NPA's involvement, stating that he would have confessed long ago if the agency hadn't attempted to stop him. He told the police officer in 2019 that he wanted to confess, but the NPA dismissed the prosecutor because it believed he would permit the confession, especially the one that implicated the police. The State accepted Ncengwa's guilty plea and would be sentenced at the end of the month. Reacting to the revelation, Zulu said he was not surprised and felt vindicated when he saw the hitman's confession because it was the same information he had gone public with. 'This is the same information I publicly revealed after the killing and even went to the Moerane Commission with. I always maintained that Magaqa was assassinated by the state, so the hitman's confession vindicates me,' said Zulu Magaqa's family spokesperson Dr Lwazi Magaqa said the family is in a bereavement for another death and was not able to speak about the matter for now. Dr Lwazi Magaqa, a spokesperson for the Magaqa family, stated that the family is grieving the loss of another member and is unable to discuss the situation at this time. The NPA and the SAPS are yet to comment on their alleged involvement. Speaking on a TV interview on Monday night, Zulu called for the arrest of all the people named by the hitman in his confession.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store