The legal proceedings in the kidnapping case of 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi have hit a minor hurdle. A 42-year-old police officer, Nzima Adoons, was expected to appear in court alongside five others accused in connection with the teenager’s abduction. However, the case has been temporarily delayed.
Authorities revealed that investigations are still ongoing and have yet to firmly connect the five men to the kidnapping and extortion charges. As a result, the court has not yet proceeded with enrolling the case against them. Adoons remains in custody and is scheduled for another court appearance on July 3, when his bail application will be revisited.
Prior to the proceedings, the Free State police confirmed that due to the severity of the charges, the case classification was elevated from Schedule 1 to Schedule 5. This suggests a more serious offense and potentially tougher bail conditions.
Kamogelo was kidnapped last month while being driven home from his special needs school, Martie du Plesis, in Bloemfontein. The abductors reportedly posed as police officers during the incident. Just days before his rescue, the suspects demanded a R7 million ransom.
Thanks to an extensive police operation, Kamogelo was eventually found alive in Wepener, Free State. Three of the suspects were arrested at a house in the Kanana area, while the remaining two were apprehended on the road nearby—with the victim still in their custody.
In total, six individuals have now been arrested in connection with the case. Authorities believe more arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
Kamogelo has since been safely reunited with his family.