Kuruman woman arrested for allegedly making false rape report

An 18-year-old woman from Kuruman has been arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for allegedly making a false rape report against an off-duty Kimberley-based SAPS constable.

The woman was arrested on Friday, 25 September 2026, after allegedly admitting to an IPID investigator that she had m

ade a false statement a

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ccusing the 24-year-old constable of rape.

The alleged rape was reported to have taken place at a guest house in Kuruman on 23 September. The constable was arrested the following day and faced a charge of rape.

According to IPID, the woman told investigators before the officer's court appearance that she had deliberately made the false allegation because the constable had failed to pay her the agreed R400 following consensual sex.

The rape case against the constable was subsequently withdrawn in court.

The woman appeared before the Kuruman Magistrate's Court on Friday and was released on warning. Her case was postponed to 16 October 2026 to allow her to obtain legal aid.

IPID said a perjury case had been opened against the woman for allegedly lying under oath and abusing state resources.

The directorate said false reports divert investigative resources from genuine cases and undermine the integrity of the justice system.

“False reporting will not be tolerated, and decisive action will be taken against individuals who attempt to misuse the justice system for personal gain,” IPID said.