Kamogelo Baukudi case stalls as search intensifies

The Martie du Plessis Special School pupil has not been seen since June 5, and his disappearance has sparked a province-wide search and growing calls for justice.

A major breakthrough came earlier this week with the arrest of a 42-year-old police sergeant believed to be linked to the abduction. 

He made a brief appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday, and the matter was postponed to Friday for a possible bail application.

However, the case stalled once again on Friday due to Baukudi’s continued absence, which prevented the required identity parade from taking place. As a result, the officer's face and identity cannot yet be made public.

The court also revealed that the suspect now faces an additional extortion charge, after it emerged that a ransom demand was made during the investigation.

Authorities stressed that Baukudi’s participation in an identity parade is essential to confirming the suspect's involvement — and without it, the legal process cannot move forward.

In response to the ongoing crisis, police have assembled a specialised search task team to locate Baukudi and any additional suspects who may have been involved.

Free State Education MEC Mantlhake Julia Maboya made a public appeal for assistance in the case.

“We're also concerned and we would like to make an appeal to the members of the public to assist us to assist the police, to assist the family, so that we bring back this boy to the family and back to the school."

A prayer service was recently held at the school, where staff and students gathered to show solidarity with Baukudi’s family and hope for his safe return.

In a statement, the Free State Department of Education urged communities to unite.

“The department's priority is Kamogelo's safety, and we are committed to working with the police to bring him home.”

Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward, as the search for Baukudi enters a critical phase.

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