A 37-year-old woman from Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni, has been arrested after allegedly staging her own kidnapping with an accomplice in an attempt to extort money from her cousin.
The woman had reportedly been kidnapped before being rescued. However, subsequent police investigations allegedly revealed that the incident had been staged by the woman and her accomplice.
According to police, the pair conspired to fabricate the kidnapping to obtain money from the woman’s cousin.
The woman and her alleged accomplice are expected to appear in court on charges of defeating the ends of justice, extortion and staging a crime scene.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged staged kidnapping, including how the incident was initially reported to police, have not been detailed in the information released.
Police warn against false reports
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi warned members of the public against making false reports or staging criminal incidents.
“These divert critical police resources from genuine cases and undermine efforts to combat crime and protect communities,” Nevhuhulwi said.
Police have reiterated that fabricating criminal incidents can divert investigators and other resources away from genuine cases requiring urgent attention.
The case will proceed through the courts, where the allegations against the accused will be tested.
