The Martie du Plessis Special School student has not been seen since 5 June and his disappearance has caused a provincial-wide search and growing calls for justice.
A major breakthrough came earlier this week with the arrest of a 42-year-old police sergeant that was supposed to be related to the kidnapping.
He appeared on Monday in the Bloemfontein -Magistraat on Monday in the Bloemfontein -Magistraat and the business was postponed until Friday for a possible bail request.
The case, however, crashed again on Friday due to the constant absence of Baukudi, so that the required identity parade took place. As a result, the face and identity of the officer cannot yet be made public.
The court also revealed that the suspect is now being confronted with an additional extortion costs, after it turned out that a ransom question was made during the investigation.
Authorities emphasized that Baukudi’s participation in an identity parade is essential to confirm the involvement of the suspect – and without this the legal process cannot go further.
In response to the current crisis, the police have collected a specialized search axle team to find Baukudi and any additional suspects who may have been involved.
Free State Education MEC Mantlhake Julia Maboya made an public appeal for help in the case.
“We are also worried and we would like to rely on the members of the public to help us help the police, to help the family, so that we bring this boy back to the family and back to the school.”
A prayer service was recently held at the school, where staff and students met to show solidarity with the Van Baukudi family and hoped for his safe return.
In a statement, the Free Ministry of Education insisted to unite communities.
“The priority of the department is the safety of Kamogelo and we are dedicated to work with the police to take him home.”
Authorities continue to encourage that everyone with information comes to the fore, while the search for Baukudi enters a critical phase.
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