An 18-year-old woman from Kuruman in the Northern Cape has been arrested and charged with perjury after allegedly making a false rape report against an off-duty Kimberley-based police officer.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said the woman was arrested on Friday, September 25, 2026, after she allegedly opened a false rape case against a 24-year-old South African Police Service (SAPS) Vehicle Investigation Unit constable.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the alleged incident took place at a guest house in Kuruman on 23 September.
The constable was arrested on Thursday and appeared in the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court on Friday on a charge of rape.
However, before his court appearance, the woman allegedly told an IPID investigator that she had made a false statement.
According to Suping, the woman said she had reported the officer for rape after he failed to pay her the agreed R400 following consensual sex between them.
The rape charge against the constable was subsequently withdrawn in court.
IPID said a perjury case was opened against the woman for allegedly deliberately lying under oath and abusing state resources.
The woman appeared in the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court on Friday and was released on warning.
Her matter was postponed to October 16, 2026, to allow her an opportunity to obtain legal aid.
IPID said the alleged false report had implications for the justice system and diverted investigative resources from genuine cases.
“The actions of the 18-year-old woman undermine the integrity of the justice system and divert critical investigative capacity away from genuine cases,” Suping said.
The watchdog warned members of the public that false reporting would not be tolerated.
“False reporting will not be tolerated, and decisive action will be taken against individuals who attempt to misuse the justice system for personal gain,” Suping added.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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