JUST IN: Kidnapped Bloem teen Kamogelo Baukudi found
The 19-year-old Grade 11 learner from Martie du Plessis School who was found alive in Wepener following a coordinated rescue operation.
Kamogelo was abducted on Thursday, 5 June while being driven home from school in Verneeniging Drive, Bloemfontein.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Free State Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said after weeks of intensive investigation, Kamogelo was safely located and rescued in Wepener in the early hours of Friday morning, 27 June.
Makhele said during this intelligence driven operation, five African males aged between 20 and 29 were arrested. Three suspects were apprehended at a house in Kanana Location, Wepener, while two others were caught on the road between Kwetla Location and Wepener town — with the victim in their possession.
This brings the total number of arrests in the case to six. The first suspect, a 42-year-old police sergeant, who was previously arrested, appeared in court charged with kidnapping and extortion.
Meanwhile, Free State police commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane has commended the hard work of the multidisciplinary team that found Kamogelo Baukudi.
Motswenyane said the safe recovery of young Kamogelo is a moment of great relief for the family, the community, and all.
'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.'
The suspects face charges related to kidnapping, extortion. They will join the police sergeant in court on Monday 30 June.
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