Cops go all out to find missing Kamogelo (19)

THE POLICE Ministry has assured the public that maximum resources have been deployed in the investigation of a missing boy.

Kamogelo Baukudi (19) mysteriously disappeared in Bloemfontein, Free State on Thursday, 5 June.

He was traveling home from school when the vehicle he was travelling in was allegedly stopped by two people purporting to be police officers suspecting them of transporting drugs.

The alleged impersonators then took Kamogelo into their vehicle and he hasn’t been seen since.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s spokeswoman, Kamogelo Mogotsi said a multi-disciplinary team was established when the incident was reported, which comprised of detectives, Crime Intelligence and Visible Policing, a hostage negotiator and members of the private security industry.

“The team has followed up on various leads and has spoken to family members and friends. The team also engaged with their sources in an attempt to find the missing teen. Several briefings to the ministry on updates have taken place and one suspect who’s a cop has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and extortion,” said Mogotsi.

Mogotsi said the investigation is still underway and the ministry assures the public that maximum resources have been deployed to ensure Kamogelo’s safe return.

Buwang Basadi Women Organisation in Bloemfontein demanded that the accused officer disclose Kamogelo’s whereabouts.

Chairwoman, Thokozile Nogabe expressed her deep concern and highlighted that Bloemfontein has a pattern of people disappearing.

“We have a trauma of disappearing people in Bloemfontein. We are all not safe. Some of the victims were found murdered. We want to know what happened to Kamogelo,” she said.

Nogabe said the situation is alarming and the involvement of a cop raises serious questions about safety and trust in law enforcement.

“We demands immediate answers and action to ensure Kamogelo’s safe return,” she said.

The accused cop is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 24 June.