Police in Gauteng are warning members of the public who may be continuing to contribute to a perception that crime is out of control by making false reports and wasting police resources in investigating non-existent cases. This warning follows the arrest of a Lenasia man (30) who reported a false hijacking and described how his vehicle was taken by suspects armed with a rifle. The suspect has been arrested and will be charged with perjury when he appears at the Protea Magistrate Court today.
As hijackings forms part of a serious and violent crimes, the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawila has tasked special teams to investigate these cases. During a preliminary investigation, police established discrepancies in the victim’s report. On further questioning the victim, it was established that the report was false and he had never been hijacked instead he was panicking about the whereabouts of the vehicle. The false report was made three days after the vehicle was not in his possession.
However motorists are warned to be always vigilant and should report all the suspicious people and vehicles as most of the hijackings are committed at the robots, driveways and at remote parking spots. The motorists are further advised to:
• Not to stop at driveways if suspecting that they are being followed
• In case of being hijacked, should not resist and avoid eye contact as hijackers are violent
• Should also contact the nearest police station or security in all suspicious circumstances.
Police are further appealing to anyone who may have information about any criminal activity to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
