Bloemfontein - Nineteen-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi has been found alive. This Grade 11 learner from Martie du Plessis School was found in Wepener following a coordinated rescue operation and five people have been arrested.

Baukudi was abducted on Thursday, 5 June, while being driven home from school in Verneeniging Drive, Bloemfontein. His disappearance triggered widespread concern and led to the establishment of a dedicated multidisciplinary task team under the leadership of the Mangaung Metro District Commissioner, Major General Arthur Peter Adams.

After weeks of intensive investigation, Kamogelo was safely located and rescued in Wepener in the early hours of this morning.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele during this operation, five males aged between 20 and 29 were arrested. “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.

“ This brings the total number of arrests in the case to six. The first suspect, a 42-year-old police sergeant, who was previously arrested, appeared in court charged with kidnapping and extortion.

Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, commended the hard work of this team.

“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 on every lead under serious public scrutiny. We will ensure that justice is served.”

The suspects face charges related to kidnapping, extortion. They will join the police sergeant in court on Monday 30 June.

 This is a developing story.