Free State – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 48-year-old man in the Free State on charges of perjury after he allegedly opened a false carjacking case and later admitted to lying to police.
According to SAPS, the incident began on Saturday, 11 April 2026, when the man reported that he had been attacked at his residence after arriving home from his sister’s house.
He claimed he was struck with an unknown object while opening his gate, causing him to lose consciousness before his vehicle was stolen.
The following day, on 12 April 2026, he opened a case of carjacking at Bloemspruit Police Station. Police circulated the vehicle and later investigations revealed that it had not been stolen.
Authorities established that the car was in fact left at a friend’s residence after the suspect was allegedly involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol.
The suspect was arrested on Friday, 17 April 2026, and charged with perjury after admitting during questioning that he had fabricated the report.
He is expected to appear in court on Monday, 20 April 2026.
Free State Provincial Police Commissioner praised the arrest, warning that false reports waste police resources and undermine real victims.
“Opening a false case is not just a lie; it is a criminal act that wastes state resources and diverts police attention from actual victims who are in desperate need of help. Anyone found to have lied under oath will be charged with perjury and will face the full might of the law,” the commissioner said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
