Simon Majadibodu|Published
Limpopo police have arrested two suspects, a 43-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, in connection with an alleged staged kidnapping in which the woman’s relatives were reportedly contacted by an unknown person demanding R50,000.
The arrests follow an investigation into a reported kidnapping in Senwabarwana, Capricorn District.
Intelligence-driven operation leads to arrests
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the Limpopo Organised Crime Investigations unit, National Crime Intelligence’s kidnapping unit and Hillbrow Detectives conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Gauteng in connection with the case on Saturday.
The case was reported after the woman’s relatives received a call from an unknown person demanding R50,000 and threatening to kill her before 8am if the money was not deposited.
During the investigation, police traced and arrested the 43-year-old man, who is reportedly the woman’s boyfriend.
“He reportedly informed police that he had taken the 28-year-old woman to his family homestead in Jane Furse, Sekhukhune District,” Mashaba said.
Woman found at family homestead
Police proceeded to the identified homestead, where they found the woman in good condition, with no visible injuries. She also reported no complaints.
Further investigations raised suspicions that the alleged kidnapping may have been fabricated and that police had been deliberately misled.
Mashaba said the man had allegedly made a statement under oath claiming he did not know the woman’s whereabouts, leading to a perjury charge.
Suspects face three charges
Both suspects were taken to Senwabarwana police station, where a case was opened.
They face charges of extortion, perjury and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Police commissioner warns against false reports
Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Petrus Scheepers has warned the public against abusing police resources by reporting false criminal incidents.
“Police resources are limited and must be directed towards genuine cases that threaten the safety and security of our communities,” Scheepers said.
He added that deliberately misleading police, making false statements under oath and demanding money through threats are serious offences that may result in criminal prosecution.
“We urge members of the public to provide truthful information and to refrain from abusing the criminal justice system,” he said.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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