CAPE TOWN - The South African Police Service wants to issue a warning to the public to refrain from reporting false cases as this constitutes a crime. All reported incidents will be investigated thoroughly, and false claims are usually detected during this process.

On 01 April 2022, a case of hijacking, kidnapping and theft was opened at Pinelands police station (transferred from Stellenbosch Police Station).

The complainant stated that on 29 March 2022, at about 08:15, he was driving on the off ramp on Jakes Gerwel Drive and Gunners Circle, Epping I, when he experienced a mechanical breakdown. He was apparently overpowered by three men whilst inspecting the vehicle. He was assaulted and shoved into the boot of his vehicle. They drove off with the vehicle while he was in the boot.

He further claimed that he later noticed that the vehicle was no longer moving. He then shouted for help and an unknown male opened the boot. The complainant noticed that he was in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch.

He checked the car and noted that the suspects stole his wallet with his driver’s licence card, the spare wheel of the vehicle, one Lenovo laptop and one grey Acer laptop. He then drove to the Stellenbosch police station to open a criminal case.

The case was investigated by Pinelands detectives. As a result of thorough investigation by the investigating officer, it was discovered that the complainant was in fact lying. He falsely opened the mentioned case.

The suspect, previously the complainant, was arrested on 08 April 2022 for defeating the ends of justice and made his first appearance at Goodwood Court today.

Source: South African Police Service