THOHOYANDOU - A senior police officer attached to the Child Protection Unit (CPU) in Sibasa, was charged this week with perjury and defeating the ends of justice by the management.

Inspector Ndifhavhelafhi Emmanuel Shonisani (42) was charged for "giving contradicting statements about the mysterious disappearance of the state van, Toyota Hilux 1.8, registration number DFC 288 N, blue in color with white sticker on the back cover".

According to the police spokesperson, Capt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, Shonisani reported to the Thohoyandou police station that the car had disappeared at the Thohoyandou Stadium during the Black Leopards and Orlando Pirates game last Saturday (April 6).

According to Mushavhanamadi, Shonisani then, after reporting the case, disappeared and then came back and gave another statement, which indicated that the car had been stolen while it was parked in the police station. "Because of these two contradicting statements, we have charged Shonisani with perjury and defeating the end of justice. We are also investigating the case further as the car is still missing," said Mushavhanamadi.

He also revealed that Shonisani was suspended from driving a state vehicle for the rest of his life.