JOHANNESBURG - A 37-year-old Kwa-Thema woman who was allegedly kidnapped and rescued has been arrested for staging her own kidnapping.
The woman was arrested on Tuesday along with an accomplice.
Investigations revealed that the woman conspired with her accomplice to stage the kidnapping. This was in order to extort money from her cousin.
The duo are expected to appear before court on charges of defeating the ends of justice, extortion and staging a crime scene.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says the public are warmed against making false reports or staging criminal incidents.
"These divert critical police resource from genuine cases and undermines efforts to combat crime and protect communities," she says.