2 days ago
Bloemfontein hopes for teen's return as accused officer's case postponed
On a cold winter's morning on Monday, the hopeful principal of Martie du Plessis School, Francois van Heerden, expressed his appreciation for the support the public has given to the school community, friends and family of 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, who has now been missing for a week.
'The only thing you actually have left is hope, which is instrumental and fundamental because if you lose hope you lose everything,' he expressed as he addressed the teachers and officials from the Free State Department of Education who came to the school to show their support.
Bloemfontein Courant reports the head of the Department of Education, Adv Tsoarelo Malakoane, echoed this sentiment by highlighting that the kidnapping of the learner brings up many questions about the morality of society.
'Our moral conscience is judged by how well we treat our children, especially children who are vulnerable. Who in their right mind would actually harbour an idea of harming someone who needed our support as a society?' he questioned. Malakoane encouraged the public to continue to stand by those who are directly affected during this time, as the department and school will provide counselling. 'If you feel like you need the support, please take advantage of what is provided to you,' he said.
Baukudi was kidnapped by two males impersonating police officers in Vereeniging Drive in Bloemfontein after he was fetched at school last Thursday. At the time of print, police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele confirmed that there are no new developments in the case.
The case of the 42-year-old police officer, Philemon Adoon, who has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and extortion, was postponed to yesterday, after the matter was brought forward on Monday. The suspect made calls to Baukudi's mother asking for a ransom. 'Specifically, what we focused on was the issue of kidnapping and in between, while the investigation was continuing, there was a ransom demand which kicked in,' Makhele explained.
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae commended the police for their swift response and for not being biased by arresting one of their own. 'What is key to us is to find Kamogelo, what is heartbreaking is the whereabouts of Kamogelo. We are here to support the family, to say we are with you in prayers,' she expressed after the court proceedings.
As the search continues, members of the public who might have any information that can help the police find Baukudi are requested to contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 526 2713, use the MySAPS app, or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 with additional information.
The Citizen reports that the police officer's case has stalled after the court heard that the missing teenager, who is needed to identify the accused in an identification parade, has not been found.
The case against Adoon, charged with kidnapping and extortion in connection with the disappearance of Kamogelo, was postponed to June 24.
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