THE reporting of false cases to the South African Police Service is an offence and is punishable by law according to Bellair SAPS .
On Thursday, 4 January a complainant reported a case of carjacking that purportedly occurred in the Bellair patrol area.
“The complainant alleged that he was robbed of his vehicle by two unknown men and a case of carjacking was opened at Bellair police station and the docket was sent for investigation,” said Bellair SAPS communications officer, W/O Prakash Kumar.
According to Kumar, the investigation revealed the complainant had made a false statement and that no carjacking had taken place.
The complainant was arrested and charged for perjury and sent to court.
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The false case report resulted in the investigators having to travel to the Eastern Cape to verify the accused’s address and for further investigation.
“The man-hours expended in investigating this case could have been used to investigate more serious cases. The police treat the reporting of false cases in a serious light. Offenders are prosecuted accordingly and if found guilty, will thereafter have a criminal record.
“Having a criminal record can have an adverse effect on ones work, family and personal life. Additionally perpetrators may be held liable for any wasted costs incurred by the state in unnecessarily having to divert resources to false cases,” he said.
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