On November 20, a 23-year-old man was arrested and charged for perjury after allegedly reporting that his five-year-old nephew had been kidnapped in Johannesburg central.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Sello said the man claimed that he was driving with his nephew when four unknown armed men stopped them.
“[The four men] 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,” she said.
Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela strongly condemned the incident.
“This was irresponsible and reckless. 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,” he said.
He added there was greater importance in working with police in ensuring that women and children were protected.
“With the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign underway, we plead with our communities to join the fight against crimes perpetrated against women and children, not only during this period but at all times.”
