Police warns of consequences laying false complaints
“During the investigation it became clear to Maasdorp that the complainant's story did not make sense.”
Sergeant Hazel Maasdorp, of Tshwane central family and children support (FCS), has issued a warning to people laying false complaints with the police.
She warned that any cases opened under false pretences could amount to a counter charge of perjury against the complainant.
Villeria police spokesperson Captain Coba Brits said: “If found guilty, such a person can be convicted to imprisonment for up to three years.”
Two weeks ago a rape complaint was lodged at Silverton police station.
“During the investigation it became clear to Maasdorp that the complainant’s story did not make sense,” said Brits.
“After thorough investigation and interviews, Maasdorp concluded that the complainant was not telling the truth and the intervention between her and the alleged suspect was consensual.”
The victim has now been charged with perjury and will appear in the Regional Court soon.
“Maasdorp will do anything in her power so that justice is served. This is only one of the reasons she became a police official after finishing her police training in 2000.”
Maasdorp started as a detective in 2003, focusing on investigating sexual offences.
“A positive attitude is very important to fulfil your daily task as an investigator. Maasdorp feels she has an obligation towards the public to investigate her cases to the best of her ability and to ensure a positive outcome in court.”
“She will do anything possible to assist the public were she can.”
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), there are implications of laying false criminal charges with the police.
Perjury is the act to willfully give a false testimony after giving an oath or affirmation to speak the truth.
The act of perjury is only considered a crime under certain circumstances, the details of which vary by jurisdiction, said the SAPS.
“The courts view perjury as a serious offence, as lying and misrepresenting facts given in testimony, effectively undermine the power of the court system.”
The SAPS said the South African Criminal Law system makes perjury a crime, the basic definition of which is the same, though penalties may vary. An individual who lies under oath in a court, or who lies to a person acting on behalf of the law, has committed a crime and faces prison time, a fine or both.
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