19-Year-Old Kamogelo Baukudi Kidnapped By Fake Cops In Vereeniging

An urgent manhunt is underway in Vereeniging after 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi was kidnapped by two men impersonating police officers. The brazen abduction took place on Thursday, just before 12pm, and has since led to a massive search effort by law enforcement.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, Kamogelo Baukudi—a Grade 11 learner at Marti Du Plessis School in Fitchardpark—was picked up as usual by a family friend, Daniel Malebatso. The pair left the school in a Suzuki Ertiga before being intercepted on Vereeniging Drive in Erlichpark Extension by a white Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab.

“Inside the Toyota Hilux, there were two unknown male persons; one wearing police uniform and the other blue tracksuits,” said Mathe.

Staged Traffic Stop Ends in Disappearance

The Toyota Hilux was reportedly fitted with blue lights on the grill and appeared to contain a police radio, making it look like an official vehicle. Malebatso said the suspects ordered them to pull over and then instructed him to drive ahead to Park Road Police Station while they followed behind with Kamogelo.

“Both vehicles turned back and drove in westerly direction in Vereeniging Drive. Daniel alleges that a truck went in-between the Suzuki he was driving and the Toyota Hilux and he never saw it again,” Mathe explained.

The suspects’ clever manipulation created just enough distance for them to vanish with the teen. Notably, one of the suspects spoke fluent Sesotho and reportedly mentioned the name “Thipe,” Malebatso told investigators.

Kamogelo Baukudi’s Cellphone Found Dumped

In a troubling development, both Kamogelo and Malebatso’s cellphones were later discovered abandoned under a bridge on Ferrera Road. A case of kidnapping and impersonating a police officer has since been opened at Parkweg Police Station.

Law enforcement has urged the public to come forward with any information that could help locate Kamogelo Baukudi or the suspect vehicle.

“Any member of the public who might have information that can help the police to find Kamogelo Baukudi; and might have seen the vehicles while in Vereeniging Drive is requested to contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 5262 713,” Mathe said.

“Alternatively, the information can be submitted on the MySAPS App or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.”

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