Jouberton teenager under investigation for perjury

POTCHEFSTROOM – Jouberton police are investigating a case of perjury after a 15-year-old teenager alleged that she was kidnapped at about 06:50, on Monday, 26 July 2021, in Extension 16, Jouberton, on her way to school. Voice Notes were widely circulated throughout the community by the victim indicating that she was kidnapped by three men driving in a black Volkswagen Polo. She also claimed that the alleged kidnappers sounded like they are Nigerian nationals. The teenager claimed further that she managed to escape from her alleged kidnappers by jumping out of the vehicle and ultimately opened a case of kidnapping at Jouberton Police Station.

The police then immediately began their investigation and discovered that the complainant lied under oath and a case of perjury was registered and it is currently under investigation. The 15-year-old will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Child Justice Act, 2008 (Act No. 75 of 2008).

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, warned the community not to report false cases or make false statements under oath as this constitutes perjury, which is a criminal offence. The spreading of false information can also lead to destabilisation within a community. Moreover, he urged members of the community to be the eyes and ears of the police as this will save the lives of the innocent by reporting suspected criminal activities at their local police stations or calling Crime Stop number: ‪08600 10111. Alternatively, anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via My SAPS App from any smart phone.‬‬‬

Source: South African Police Service