Cape Town – A 23-year-old Gauteng man has been arrested for perjury after he falsely opened a case of hijacking and kidnapping of a 5-year-old boy on Saturday.
In a statement, police said the man alleged that he was driving with his nephew when four unknown men stopped them, threatened him with firearms to get out of the car before fleeing with the child.
“Resources were mobilised to track the alleged hijackers in order to save the life of the child. Upon further questioning, It was established that the man had lied and the alleged hijacked vehicle was parked at his home and the child was also safe. He was arrested and charged with perjury,” said the police.
#sapsGP Man arrested for perjury after he falsely opened a case of hijacking and kidnapping.
The public is warned to refrain from reporting false cases as they could face criminal charges. NPhttps://t.co/tz6djrES5K pic.twitter.com/nqA2QsjX8v— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) November 21, 2021
Gauteng provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Ellias Mawela condemned the man’s irresponsible and reckless behaviour, saying false reports put a lot of strain on police resources.
“Children are kidnapped at times and we are obliged to immediately investigate. A false report puts a lot of strain on police resources which could have been directed to real incidents of crime and to victims who genuinely need police assistance,” said Mawela.
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The incident came shortly after the kidnapping and mysterious release of the Moti brothers.
According to News24, sources said a R50 million ransom was paid by the Moti family for the safe return of their four kidnapped sons. The family has, however, denied the claim.
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