Courts & Justice

How to Report a Case to the Police (SAPS)

Opening a case with the police is your right and it is free. Here is how to report a crime, get your CAS number, and follow up.

Step by step

When and how to report

If a crime is happening now, or you are in danger, phone the SAPS emergency number 10111, which operates 24 hours a day. For crimes that have already happened, go to the Community Service Centre – the charge office – at any police station. CluedUp is an independent explainer and is not the South African Police Service, a court or the government. This is general information, not legal advice; for your own matter, speak to the police, Legal Aid SA or a lawyer.

Which station to use

You can report a crime at any police station. Officers may not turn you away or send you to a different station to make your report. The case is registered in the police area where the crime happened, but the station where you report must take down your statement. Reporting is free, and the officer completes all the paperwork for you.

Giving your statement

An officer first interviews you to understand what happened, then takes a written statement. You may give it in any language you are comfortable with, and if you cannot read or write, you can place your thumbprint instead of signing. Your statement is often taken under oath as an affidavit; a police officer who is a commissioner of oaths can commission it free of charge. Read it carefully before you sign, and make sure it reflects what you told them.

Your case number

Once your statement is taken, the officer opens a docket and registers the matter on the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS). You are given a CAS number, sometimes on the spot and sometimes by SMS. Write it down and keep it safe, because you will need it for every enquiry about your case.

After you report

The docket is handed to a detective who investigates. You are entitled to know who the investigating officer is and to receive ongoing feedback, so ask for their name and contact details before you leave. If your matter is a sexual offence or domestic violence, tell the officer so you can be assisted privately and referred for support; the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 offers free counselling at any hour.

If a case is refused

The police are not permitted to refuse to register a crime. If an officer will not help, calmly ask to speak to the station commander. If that does not resolve it, lodge a complaint through the SAPS service complaints channels and keep a written note of names, dates and times. You have a right to have your report taken.

CluedUp is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any government agency. Fees, links and steps can change — always confirm on the official portal before you act. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.