Once the police started their investigations, however, it turned out that the man had lied to them.
“The suspect was involved in an accident and decided to run away from the scene. He later went to the police station to report that his vehicle, a red Volkswagen Jetta, had been hijacked. The investigation revealed that he was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. The driver of the other vehicle also recognised him,” says Masooa.
He adds that the suspect later acknowledged that he lied when he reported the case of hijacking at Westonaria police station. He was charged with defeating the ends of justice, taken to court and convicted of the charges against him.
The man was sentenced to R6,000 or 90 days’ imprisonment suspended for five years.
“We urge the public not to make false statements to cover their guilt. The police will always find out if they are lying and they will end up facing more charges and civil claims,” said the station commander, Brig. Marinda Theron.