What began as a harrowing missing person case has thankfully ended with a sigh of relief.

After nearly a month of fear and uncertainty, 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, a Grade 11 learner from Martie du Plessis School in Bloemfontein, has been found alive.

Teen Rescued in Early Morning Operation in Wepener

Kamogelo was abducted on Thursday, June 5, while being driven home from school on Verneeniging Drive.

After weeks of painstaking detective work, police tracked her down to the town of Wepener.

In the early hours of Friday morning, June 27, a team of law enforcement officials carried out a coordinated rescue mission that safely brought her home.

Five More Suspects Arrested in Connection with Kidnapping

According to Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State, five men aged between 20 and 29 were arrested during the operation.

Three of them were found at a house in Kanana Location, while the other two were caught on a road near Kwetla Location—still in possession of Kamogelo.

These arrests bring the total number of suspects to six.

Shockingly, the first person arrested in the case was a 42-year-old police sergeant, who was already facing kidnapping and extortion charges.

Top Police Officials Praise the Team’s Dedication

Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane praised the work of the multidisciplinary team that led to Kamogelo’s recovery.

She acknowledged the emotional toll the case had taken on the young girl’s family and community.

“This is a moment of immense relief,” said Motswenyane. “I commend every officer who stayed committed to this investigation under tremendous public pressure.

We’re now focused on ensuring that justice is served.”

All Suspects Set to Appear in Court

The five newly arrested suspects are expected to join the police sergeant in court on Monday, June 30.

They will face multiple charges, including kidnapping and extortion.