Disappeared on a City Street: The Strange Case of Kamogelo Baukudi

One moment, he was heading home from school. The next, he was gone.

In a case that feels like it’s been ripped from a Netflix thriller, 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi hasn’t been seen since Thursday – after being stopped by men claiming to be police officers. The teenager, still in his school uniform, was allegedly separated from his guardian by a “police-style” vehicle that has since vanished – along with him.

And now, Bloemfontein is asking: how does someone just disappear in plain sight?

A “Stop and Search” That Turned Into a Vanishing

The last known sighting of Kamogelo was along Vereeniging Drive, not far from Erlichpark. He had just been picked up from Martie du Plessis School – nothing unusual – until the sound of a siren changed everything.

According to the adult who was with him, a white Toyota bakkie pulled them over. One man in the vehicle wore a SAPS-style uniform. The other, less official-looking, stayed silent. They allegedly accused the driver of drug trafficking, claimed they were taking both parties to the police station… and then separated them.

But only one of those cars made it to the end of the road.

More Than a Disappearance – It’s a Deep Public Trust Issue

Here’s the part that stings: the vehicle looked convincing. Blue lights. Police-style radio. The kind of setup that wouldn’t raise suspicion to most drivers in a rush.

And now, with no confirmed suspects and only fragments to go on – including the dumped cellphones of both individuals – many in the city are left questioning more than just where Kamogelo is.

They’re asking: can we still tell the difference between real officers and criminals in disguise?

Image 1: Facebook/SABC News Free State

A Pattern South Africans Are Too Familiar With

If this story sounds eerily familiar, it’s because it is. Across the country, reports of hijackings, robberies, and even assaults committed by police impersonators have grown more common. Real uniforms. Fake intentions.

In a country with trust in law enforcement already stretched thin, incidents like these pour salt on an open wound.

Fear, Frustration, and a Family in Limbo

Locals have turned to Facebook and WhatsApp groups to share Kamogelo’s photo and vent their shock. A mix of outrage, fear, and helplessness is circulating fast – with parents particularly rattled.

“This is everyone’s worst nightmare. If they looked like cops, how do we teach our kids who to trust?” one mother posted in a Bloemfontein safety group.

As for Kamogelo’s loved ones? They’re waiting. Hoping. And asking the rest of us not to forget his name.

What You Can Do

If you were in the area, saw anything unusual, or know someone who did, you can contact:

Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme — 082 526 2713
SAPS Crime Stop — 08600 10111
MySAPS App — anonymous tip-offs welcome

We Owe Kamogelo More Than Silence

This isn’t just a missing person case – it’s a wake-up call. A teenager disappeared in broad daylight in a car that mimicked the very people meant to protect us. It’s a reminder that safety, especially for young South Africans, remains fragile.

So let’s not move on. Let’s keep Kamogelo’s story in the spotlight – until we get answers.

Also read: Another Fuel Price Drop on the Horizon for South Africans

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Source: The South African

Featured Image: Facebook/SABC News Free State