To report domestic violence to the police in South Africa, you must either call emergency services immediately if you are in danger or visit a South African Police Service (SAPS) station to open a criminal case. Under the Domestic Violence Act, SAPS officers have a legal duty to assist victims of domestic abuse, help secure medical attention, assist in obtaining temporary shelter, and explain how to apply for a Protection Order.
Emergency Warning: If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger, call the SAPS emergency numberon 10111 immediately. If it is safe to move, go directly to your nearest police station to open a case.
Note: PoliceStation.co.za is an independent information directory and resource guide. We are not affiliated with SAPS or government authorities. All emergency and official case actions must be conducted directly through official SAPS channels.
Direct Answer: How to Report This Crime or Open a Case
You can report domestic violence to SAPS by taking two direct paths depending on your safety situation:
- Active Emergency (Immediate Threat): Call 10111 from any phone. Police officers are dispatched to your location to intervene, secure your safety, and detain the perpetrator if necessary.
- Non-Emergency / Formal Case Opening: Go to the Community Service Centre (CSC) at any SAPS police station. Inform the officer on duty that you wish to open a domestic violence case or apply for a Protection Order.
SAPS officers are legally obligated to take your complaint, assist you in a private space (often a Victim Friendly Room), record your sworn statement, and issue you a official reference number. SAPS cannot turn you away or force you to resolve the matter privately.
When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station
Knowing whether to phone for emergency dispatch or travel to a station depends on your immediate physical safety and location context.
| Situation | Action to Take | Contact / Location Path |
| Immediate threat, ongoing assault, or weapon involved | Call 10111 immediately | Request police dispatch to your exact physical address. |
| Perpetrator has left the scene, but you require safe transport/help | Call 10111 or local station | Request an officer to escort you or transport you safely. |
| Past incident, emotional abuse, or formal case registration | Visit police station | Go in person to your nearest police station to open a case. |
| Applying for a Protection Order without opening a criminal case | Visit police station or Magistrate’s Court | Request domestic violence application forms at the station or clerk of the court. |
When deciding between Call 10111 or Go to Police Station, prioritize your immediate safety above all else. Always verify station addresses and contact numbers against official sources before traveling late at night. For a broader overview of police procedures, see our guide on How to Report a Crime in South Africa.
What Information and Documents to Prepare
When opening a domestic violence case, having key details ready can speed up the process. However, lack of documentation is never a legal reason for police to refuse your report.
Documents or details to prepare
- Identity Documentation: Your South African ID document, smart ID card, passport, or driver’s license. (Recommended, but NOT mandatory—police must assist you even if you do not have an ID on you).
- Incident Details: Exact dates, times, addresses, and descriptions of what occurred (physical violence, verbal threats, harassment, emotional abuse, financial abuse, or damage to property).
- Perpetrator Information: Full name, home/work address, contact details, relationship to you, and whether they have access to firearms or weapons.
- Medical Evidence: If you were injured, inform the officer immediately. SAPS will provide a J88 form, which must be completed by a medical doctor or clinical nurse to document physical injuries for court evidence.
- Supporting Evidence: Photographs of physical injuries or property damage, copies of threatening SMS/WhatsApp messages, call logs, or contact details of eyewitnesses.
What Happens After You Report the Crime
When you report domestic violence at a station, SAPS follows a standardized legal procedure:
- Private Consultation: You should be attended to in a designated Victim Friendly Room (VFR) where available, ensuring privacy and dignity.
- Taking Your Statement: A trained officer will assist you in writing a detailed, sworn affidavit describing the domestic violence incident.
- Docket Registration: The officer creates an official criminal docket, registering the offense under the appropriate statutory charge (e.g., assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, or breach of a protection order).
- Issuing a CAS Number: You will be given a unique Crime Administration System (CAS) case number.
- Medical Referral: If applicable, you will be handed a J88 form to take to a hospital or clinic for medical examination.
- Protection Order Rights: The officer will hand you a formal notice explaining your rights under the Domestic Violence Act, including assistance with finding temporary shelter or obtaining urgent medical treatment.
For complete official guidelines on reporting procedures, visit the official SAPS Crime Reporting Portal
.
CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress
Your CAS Number (e.g., CAS 123/08/2026) is your official proof that a case has been registered with SAPS. Keep this number safe, as you will need it for every follow-up.
Following Up on Your Case
- Investigating Officer Assignment: Within 24 to 48 hours of registering the case, your docket is assigned to an investigating officer (detective) from the station’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit or general detective branch.
- Contacting the Detective: You should receive an SMS with your detective’s name and contact number. If not, contact the station’s detective commander with your CAS number.
- Arrest and Court Process: Depending on the severity of the offense and immediate risk, the detective will locate and arrest the suspect or issue a notice to appear in court.
- Bail Considerations: Domestic violence offenses carry strict bail conditions. You can inform the investigating officer if you fear for your safety should the suspect be released on bail.
Related Police Services and FAQs
Related police services
- GBVF Command Centre: A 24/7 national toll-free helpline providing immediate support and counseling for victims of gender-based violence (Call 0800 428 428 or dial *120*7867#).
- SAPS Crime Stop: For anonymous tip-offs regarding domestic abuse or illegal weapons, call 08600 10111 or visit the official SAPS Crime Stop Portal.
- Magistrate’s Court: Where you officially file application documents for a formal Protection Order (Interim or Final).
- Station Finder Resources: Review critical guidance like Can I Open a Case at Any Police Station and explore whether digital reporting options exist under Can I Report a Crime Online South Africa.
FAQs
How do I deal with report domestic violence to police?
Go to your nearest SAPS station or call 10111 if in immediate danger. Ask to speak to a police officer in a private room, explain the situation clearly, and request to open a criminal case or apply for a protection order. Ensure you receive an official CAS number before leaving.
Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?
Yes. Opening a criminal case, applying for a Protection Order, and receiving assistance from SAPS or the Magistrate’s Court is 100% free of charge. You should never be charged any fee by police officers or court officials.
When should I call 10111 instead of visiting a police station?
Call 10111 when there is an active threat, an ongoing assault, immediate physical danger, or when you cannot safely travel to a station yourself. Keep key emergency police numbers accessible on your mobile phone at all times.
What is a SAPS CAS number?
A CAS (Crime Administration System) number is the unique reference code assigned to your criminal docket once registered by SAPS. It is used to track case progress, follow up with the investigating detective, and reference court proceedings.