UPDATE: Victim admits lying to police about armed robbery

The victim of a theft out of motor vehicle incident at Fontainebleau Spar admitted that he lied to the police, telling them it was an armed robbery with a gun. He spoke out on 21 November, two days after the incident. He said that he had initially acted out of anger, and hoped that the police would act faster for an armed robbery, but had now come to regret his decision. He wished to remain anonymous to keep his dignity.

The man explained that it was just a car-jamming and theft, and there was no firearm. This is what Spar’s owner Nick Papayannopoulos and employee Patricia Lebelo initially stated, but had seemed to contradict Linden Police, whose report was based on the victim’s lie. In fact, the man did not even see the theft take place. “The reason why I overreacted was because it was the second time I was involved in a car jamming,” he said.

“It was out of anger and frustration. I am tired of crime and wanted the police to act faster and catch them.” He had shopped for groceries at another Spar when he could not find one item. He then visited Fontainebleau Spar at about 2pm. He locked his doors but did not check them, as it was raining and he thought he would be quick. While paying at the counter, Lebelo found him and told him that two men had opened his vehicle doors without trouble, and stole some items. They reportedly took the man’s laptop, bag, cellphone and groceries, and then left.

Later, a security guard at the Spar explained that he and another guard were on duty at the time, but because of the rain they were around the corner, at the Spar’s entrance, and did not see the incident.The victim claimed that he corrected his statement at Linden Police Station on 21 November, and Linden Police opened a case of theft out of motor vehicle. Questions were sent to Linden Police spokesperson Constable Carol Mulamu regarding this change in events.

Details: Fontainebleau Spar 011 792 3369; Linden Police 011 888 9212.