Parents ‘deeply disappointed’ after son admits lying about Gautrain armed robbery

Parents of a 21-year-old man who fabricated a story about being robbed on the Gautrain express disappointment and embarrassment over his actions. The incident came to light when anti-crime activist Yusuf Ambramjee shared the story on social media, claiming that the man was robbed at gunpoint while traveling between Midrand and Rosebank stations on Wednesday night.

Gautrain stated that they had received the report and were investigating the matter. However, during a meeting with the alleged victim, CCTV footage revealed that the man's claims were false. The family acknowledged that their son had lied about the location of the incident, stating that he had traveled safely to Park Station and left the station before allegedly being robbed along the route.

The parents explained that their son lied about the location to avoid potential anger or disapproval from his parents regarding his choice of route while carrying a laptop bag, cellphone, and headphones. Despite this explanation, the parents expressed deep disappointment in their son's dishonesty. They apologized to Gautrain, its management, and security personnel for the investigation of a fabricated incident, and also apologized for any concern their son's false allegations may have caused passengers and members of the public.

The family emphasized that no robbery took place on the Gautrain, as their son originally claimed, and expressed regret for the consequences that arose from the false allegation.