CRIME SCENE: Kimberley, Northern Cape: A 44‑year‑old man has been arrested for perjury after allegedly filing a false hijacking report with the police.

On Thursday, 10 September 2026, the man claimed that his vehicle had been taken by four armed suspects. The case was assigned to Detective Warrant Officer Anthony Rheeder of the Kimberley Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU).

During the investigation, Rheeder discovered that the vehicle had in fact been repossessed by the Sheriff of the Court after the suspect failed to meet his monthly financial obligations to the bank. 

Further inquiries revealed that the man had allegedly refused to cooperate with the Sheriff’s office and instead reported the false hijacking to the Kimberley police.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has cautioned the public against opening false criminal cases, stressing that such actions waste valuable police and judicial resources. 

“Every false report not only diverts investigators from genuine cases but also compromises the effective administration of justice,” SAPS said in a statement.