The Katlehong South SAPS Crime Prevention Unit arrested a 31-year-old man for perjury after faking a case of hijacking in Mzamo Section, Vosloorus, on February 22.
Members of the unit were patrolling when they received information about a hijacked blue Mercedes-Benz travelling from Thembisa towards Spruitview in Katlehong.
According to Katlehong South SAPS spokesperson Capt Mega Ndobe, it is alleged the vehicle’s owner phoned the tracking company to report that his blue Mercedes-Benz has been hijacked in Thembisa.
The members immediately drove to Spruitview to search for the hijacked vehicle.
“The hijacked vehicle was spotted in Spruitview. The driver of the alleged hijacked vehicle drove towards Mzamo Section, but jumped out of the moving vehicle and tried running away before police managed to grab him,” said Ndobe.
Police investigations confirmed that the driver was the lawful owner of the “hijacked” vehicle.
Furthermore, it was discovered that before he phoned the tracking company, he removed the tracking device from his car, not knowing that the vehicle was fitted with other tracking devices.
Katlehong South SAPS station commander Brig Albertina Vesi warned residents of Kathorus to avoid reporting false information of any crime.
She emphasised that it is a criminal offence to give a false statement under oath, you can be charged and prosecuted for perjury, she added.
The case is still under investigation. The suspect has been arrested; he is expected to appear in the Vosloorus Magistrate’s Court soon.
