The Tarlton Police want residents to be aware of the consequences of submitting false reports.
Their spokesperson, Constable Lucky Matome, spoke to the News about residents who open cases for insurance purposes and then do not want the police to follow up.
People are opening cases for the purpose of claiming from the insurance, and most of them indicate that they do not require further investigation into the matter,” he explained.
Matome added that the police’s concern is that when they look at the modus operandi, some of the cases are questionable.
That is why they wish to sensitise the members of the community on perjuring themselves.
“We want to warn people that if they submit an affidavit under oath and we somehow find the story to be questionable, we will investigate it. If we find that they are actually not telling the truth, they could be charged with perjury,” said Matome.
He added that when a case is opened, an investigation should be allowed and if applicable, arrests should be made.
If you opened a case and have falsified the information you submitted to the police, you as the complainant might be arrested and charged with perjury.”
Punishment for perjury depends on the merits of the case but can lead to imprisonment.
