Mapaballo Borotho

Nineteen-year-old Kamogelo Bakudi, who was abducted earlier this month, was found alive on Friday, 27 June 2025 in the small town of Wepener in the Free State. The South African Police Service (SAPS) rescued him through a coordinated rescue operation.
Bakudi was abducted on Thursday, 5 June 2025 by two men who posed as police officers. Five male suspects, aged 20 to 29, have been arrested.
They are all facing charges related to extortion and kidnapping.
“After weeks of intensive investigation, Kamogelo was safely located and rescued in Wepener in the early hours of this morning, 27 June 2025,” said the Free State Police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele.
“Three suspects were apprehended at a house in Kanana Location, Wepener, while two others were caught on the road between Kwetla Location and Wepener town, with the victim in their possession,” she added.
This brings the total number of arrests to six. The first suspect, a 42-year-old police officer, appeared in court for kidnapping and extortion a few days after Bakudi was kidnapped.
“The safe recovery of young Kamogelo is a moment of great relief for the family, the community, and all of us. I commend our members for their unwavering efforts, who worked tirelessly following up every lead under serious public scrutiny. We will ensure that justice is served,” said the Free State Provincial Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane.
All six suspects are set to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 30 June 2025.
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