Key Points:
- An 18-year-old woman falsely reported a rape and kidnapping case to Verulam police, prompting a full investigation.
- She later confessed the claims were fabricated due to fear of her mother and community stigma.
- Police officials stress the severe consequences of filing false reports and the impact on genuine victims.
VERULAM, South Africa — An 18-year-old woman from KwaZulu-Natal now faces legal action. She allegedly filed a false rape report Verulam police confirmed earlier this week.
Initial Report Sparks Investigation
On May 2, the young woman walked into the Verulam police station and reported that men had kidnapped and raped her. She claimed the incident happened after she attended a party in Waterloo with friends.
According to her statement, they requested an e-hailing ride to return home. However, the driver allegedly diverted to Durban. She also claimed she handed a packet to people in another vehicle and then ended up at a nightclub in Claremont. There, she said, men drugged, assaulted, and raped her.
In response, the KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit immediately opened a case. Detectives began a full investigation and launched a search for the alleged suspects.
False Claims Uncovered
However, during the investigation, police discovered serious inconsistencies in her story. Detectives questioned her further and eventually, she confessed that she had fabricated the entire report.
She admitted she made up the story because she feared her mother’s reaction and didn’t want to face embarrassment in her community.
As a result, police arrested her and charged her with perjury and defeating the ends of justice. On Monday, she appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court. The court granted her bail while legal proceedings continue.
Police Condemn False Reports
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi condemned her actions strongly. He said such behavior misuses vital police resources and harms real victims.
“As police, we are doing everything we can to end the scourge of gender-based violence,” he stated. “We cannot afford to have individuals reporting imaginary cases for personal reasons.”
He warned that people who mislead authorities with false statements will face full legal consequences. This may include civil lawsuits if their lies result in the arrest of innocent individuals.
Filing a false rape report Verulam, police stress, not only wastes time but also undermines the credibility of true survivors.
