A police task team in Bloemfontein, South Africa, has launched an urgent manhunt for 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, who was allegedly kidnapped by two men posing as police officers.
According to the police, Baukudi, a Grade 11 pupil at Marti du Plessis School in Fichardt Park, was being picked up by Daniel Malebatso, who routinely fetches her from school. The pair had left the school premises in a silver Suzuki Ertiga when they were intercepted on Vereeniging Drive in Ehrlich Park.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, said Malebatso reported hearing sirens behind them before being stopped by a white Toyota Hilux GD-6 double cab. The vehicle was fitted with blue lights on the grille and appeared to have a police radio inside.
“Inside the Toyota Hilux, there were two unknown male persons, one wearing a police uniform and the other dressed in a blue tracksuit,” said Covane.
The man in uniform reportedly informed Malebatso that their vehicle was suspected of being involved in drug deliveries. The suspects then separated the two individuals, instructing Malebatso to drive ahead while they followed him, allegedly en route to Park Road police station.
However, while travelling westward on Vereeniging Drive, a truck moved between the two vehicles, and Malebatso lost sight of the Toyota Hilux. Baukudi has not been seen since.
Malebatso later discovered both his and Baukudi’s cellphones discarded under a bridge on Ferrera Road. He also reported that one of the suspects spoke fluent Sesotho and mentioned the name “Thipe.”
Police have since opened a case of kidnapping and impersonating a police officer at Parkweg police station. Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance.
