Student held for perjury

A 20-year-old student who claimed to have been robbed of his laptop was detained in Sunnyside, east of Pretoria, and charged with perjury, police said yesterday.

“It was discovered that he had allegedly opened a false case of robbery with the intent of initiating a false insurance claim,” said Sunnyside police spokesperson Captain Daniel Mavimbela.

“The student allegedly told police he had been robbed of his laptop by three armed men somewhere along Jorissen Street in Sunnyside last Thursday.

“Little did the suspect know that a follow-up interview by the local detectives would reveal inconsistencies in the statement that he had initially submitted,” said Mavimbela.

“The police reportedly found that the suspect had lent the laptop to his brother, who later alleged it had been stolen.

“The duo are believed to have reconciled that the student would inform the police that he had lost the laptop during a robbery.”

Mavimbela said the student, who cannot be named until he appears in court, has been charged with perjury – an offence that carries a sentence of up to three years’ imprisonment.

The police in Sunnyside are also reviewing numerous cases opened in the area, with suspicion that some community members open false reports.

“Thus far, it appears as if there could be several cases of robbery, especially those involving cellphones and laptops, which could be false reports,” said Mavimbela.

“This is the second case in as many months where a suspect was charged for giving false information to the police.”

Mavimbela said the student would appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today. – ANA