kidnapping Mpumalanga

Photo: Stock/Canva

Man arrested for lying about hijacking and kidnapping of five-year-old boy

Police said the man was arrested for perjury after he falsely reported a hijacking and kidnapping of a five-year-old boy.

kidnapping Mpumalanga

Photo: Stock/Canva

A 23-year-old man was arrested for perjury after he falsely reported a hijacking and kidnapping of a five-year-old boy.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FALSE KIDNAPPING? 

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, the man reported the false hijacking and kidnapping on Saturday. 

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“The man reported that he was driving with his five-year-old nephew when four unknown men stopped them, 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. 

THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE FALSE REPORT

Muridili said the man was arrested and charged with perjury. 

The Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Ellias Mawela, has in strongest terms condemned the incident.

“Children are kidnapped at times, and we are obliged to investigate immediately. 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 further stressed the importance of the public working together with the police in ensuring that women and children are protected. 

“With the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign approaching, 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,” said Mawela.

STERN WARNING ABOUT REPORTING FALSE CASES 

The public was warned to refrain from reporting false cases as they could face criminal charges.

Meanwhile, the second quarter crime statistics recently revealed 2000 kidnapping cases were reported to the police between July and September 2021.

Police Minister Bheki Cele said this is a new category of crime that the police are monitoring closely.

During July this year, 507 kidnappings were reported, followed by 694 in August and 799 in September.

ALSO READ: Crime stats: 2000 kidnappings reported in SA from July to September 2021