South African pastor confesses to faking own abduction

A South African pastor who faked his own abduction to spend time at a Johannesburg entertainment complex may have to pay more than US$70,000 ($105,100) to police who spent time searching for him.

Paul Beyl, a pastor in Pretoria, claimed he was abducted from his home on Thursday night while trying to park his car.

While police mounted a search with helicopters, dog units and highway patrols, Beyl checked into the Gold Reef City entertainment complex in Johannesburg - which boasts a casino, musical revues and eateries - after dumping his vehicle.

His congregation, meanwhile, held prayers for the 40-year-old pastor, who walked into a Johannesburg police station on Saturday and claimed he had been dumped in a field by his kidnappers.

But he later admitted lying and checking into the Gold Reef City.