Police arrest two for perjury

Table View police have arrested two people, in separate incidents, for perjury after they allegedly laid false criminal charges relating to carjacking, robbery and vehicle theft.

A 44-year-old woman from Mitchell’s Plain appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court last week and was released on R1 000 bail. The case was postponed to Monday November 19.

The other suspect was due to appear in Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Table View police spokeswoman Captain Adriana Chandler, said perjury suspects could face additional charges of fraud in cases linked to insurance claims.

Milnerton police station commander Brigadier Marius Stander said perjury cases were becoming more prevalent.

“Essentially it means that we have to give consideration to whether the claims made in criminal matters are true or not. False reports such as these place an undue burden on our already thinly-stretched resources, and, in essence, deprive bona fide victims of service delivery, and may even expose innocent people to possible arrest and prosecution.

“In such cases, those who have made false statements may also expose themselves and SAPS to civil lawsuits. That is why we view such incidents in a very serious light and will not hesitate to act against those who make false statements in criminal matters,” he said.