PINETOWN SAPS is urging the public to refrain from opening false criminal cases as this wastes valuable police resources and delays the resolution of genuine matters.

Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) branch commander, Lieutenant Colonel Guruduth Doodhnath, said in a recent incident a 17-year-old girl from KwaDabeka reported a case alleging she had been given a suspicious drink by a man after they went to a B&B together.

“Upon investigation, it was discovered that the allegations were false. The teenager had fabricated the story after returning home late. As a result, a case of defeating the ends of justice was opened against her for making a false statement under oath. Her fingerprints were taken, and she was released into her mother’s custody. She has since appeared in court,” said Doodhnath.

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Doodhnath told the Highway Mail that his unit has been receiving an increasing number of similar cases involving minors, some as young as 11, who are engaged in relationships with older men.

The FCS unit covers Pinetown, Hillcrest, KwaDabeka, Mpumalanga, Westville, Inchanga, Hammarsdale and Umsunduzi.

“In one recent case in Hillcrest, a mother reported her daughter missing after discovering pillows placed in her bed to simulate her presence. The child was later found to have been with her 25-year-old boyfriend.”

Doodhnath said such incidents are concerning. “Many of the reported missing person cases turn out to be situations where the individuals were not truly missing but had left home voluntarily, often without informing their guardians.”

He advised people to stop opening such cases as they could be prosecuted. “Imagine having a criminal record at such a young age.”

Doodhnath added that even if a relationship with a minor appears consensual, it is still a criminal offence under SA law.

“Engaging in sexual activity with a person under the age of 16 constitutes statutory rape, regardless of consent. Men are advised to verify the age of any young person they are involved with.

“Pinetown SAPS continues to take these matters seriously and urges parents to maintain open communication with their children. We also call on the public to use police resources responsibly and refrain from lodging false cases, which can result in criminal charges.”

Recently Warrant Officer Ethel Ndlovu of the FCS Unit addressed important safety and community concerns with children and parents at the Nazareth Clinic.

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She spoke to the children about how to respond when parents ask them to go to the tuck shop late at night.

“I encouraged them not to outright refuse, but to explain respectfully to their parents by saying something like, ‘Mummy, it’s late now. We can’t go to the shop.”

Ndlovu also advised parents not to send their children out at night to buy items like bread or other goods, as it is unsafe.

She expressed concern about parents who drink liquor and then come to the police station to open false cases.

“This behavior can cause unnecessary strain on police resources and set a poor example for children. I also spoke to the children about the importance of reporting inappropriate or uncomfortable touches. If someone touches their private parts, breasts, or any area that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should speak up.

“If they’re at home, they should report it to their parents. If it happens at school, they should tell a teacher or trusted adult immediately.”

Ndlovu’s colleague Constable Lihle Mlotshwa emphasised the issue of human trafficking.

“I warned the children about the dangers of getting into cars with strangers, even if the person offers them a lift on the way to school. I emphasised that they should never accept rides or gifts from strangers.”

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