Police issue warning against false kidnapping reports

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Police in Gauteng have issued a stern warning to community members who wilfully tell lie or make a misrepresentation under oath.

This comes after four suspects were arrested on Friday for reporting a false case of kidnapping.

According to the provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni a kidnapping of four people, including a crime prevention warden was reported on Tuesday at Soshanguve police station and resources were immediately mobilised.

He said after a few hours the alleged victims were found unharmed at a bush next to New Nkandla informal settlement near Stinkwater.

“The victims alleged that they were taken by unknown men driving a white taxi who transferred an undisclosed amount of money from their bank accounts and robbed them of their cellphones.

“Upon further investigation, it was established that three of the alleged victims, actually staged the kidnapping to rob the fourth victim who is an aunt to one of the suspects,” he expressed.

Mthombeni stated that the other suspect who was driving the taxi was traced and all four suspects including a crime prevention warden were arrested and are expected to appear before court on Monday.

Waste of police time and resources

He added; “They are facing charges of perjury, defeating the ends of justice, conspiracy to commit crime, theft of cash and extortion.

“Reporting of false cases waste the SAPS’ time and resources which could have been utilised effectively on investigating other serious cases.”

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Mthombeni urged community members to refrain from opening false cases at police stations.

“Perjury is an offence that is punishable by law. We will not tolerate any misuse of state resources,” said Lt Gen Mthombeni.