During the first appearance of the 42-year-old police official, who is a suspect in the kidnapping case of Martie Du Plessis Special School learner Kamogelo Baukudi, it was revealed in court that a ransom call was made to his mother.
The 42-year-old suspect appeared at the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 9 June. Kamogelo Baukudi was abducted on 5 June by two men pretending to be policemen.
It is unclear how much the kidnappers wanted, and the police have added an extortion charge to the kidnapping charges. The suspect was also linked to the ransom demand, according to the police.
Addressing members of the media following the court appearance, the Free State Police Spokesperson Motantsi Makhele said they are not sure at the moment how many people are involved in the abduction of Kamogelo besides the police official, but they don’t rule out the possibility of civilians being involved.
He mentioned that during their investigations, while they were focusing on the kidnapping, the ransom came up, hence they added a ransom charge against the suspect.
Also at the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court was the Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, who applauded the police for arresting one of their own and working hard on the case.
The Premier stated that it is important that Kamogelo is found safe, and they will continue to put his family in their prayers and offer support to his school.
The Free State Department of Education has welcomed the arrest of the suspect. Head of the Free State Department of Education Tsoarelo Malakoane visited the school on Monday, 9 June, to offer support.
“On behalf of the department and specifically the MEC, Dr. MJ Maboya, we wish for the safe return of Kamogelo. Let us cease from any speculation and let the police do their work. After today, perhaps this riddle will be unbundled, and we will know what is going on. We will be strong for Kamohelo. We are not going to be brittle but stand up and pray for his safe return”. Said Tsoarelo Malakoane.
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