Disclaimer: PoliceStation.co.za is an independent guide and information portal. We are not affiliated with or part of the South African Police Service (SAPS). If you are in immediate danger or witnessing an active vehicle theft or hijacking, please call the SAPS emergency number immediately on 10111.
Direct Answer: How to Report This Crime or Open a Case
If your vehicle has been stolen in South Africa, your first priorities are immediate personal safety, alerting law enforcement, and notifying your vehicle tracking provider (if equipped).
To report a stolen car and open a criminal case with the South African Police Service (SAPS):
- If the theft is happening right now, was accompanied by violence/hijacking, or occurred within the last few minutes: Immediately call the emergency police numbers on 10111 or contact your vehicle tracking company so patrol units can be dispatched to look for the vehicle.
- To open an official case and obtain a CAS Number: Go in person to your nearest police station. Vehicle theft cannot be reported online or over the telephone for docket-opening purposes.
- Provide vehicle and identity details: Complete a sworn affidavit describing the incident and present your ID document along with vehicle details (registration number, VIN/chassis number, and engine number).
- Obtain your CAS Number: The police official will enter the vehicle on the national circulation register and issue you a official SAPS CAS (Crime Administration System) number, which is required for insurance claims and legal records.
If you need general context on police reporting procedures, review our comprehensive guide on How to Report a Crime in South Africa
.
When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station
Understanding whether to dial 10111 or go directly to a station depends on whether the incident is an active emergency or a past occurrence.
Call 10111 Immediately If:
- The vehicle was stolen during a hijacking or home robbery, or if suspect(s) are still in the immediate area.
- The theft just occurred seconds or minutes ago and police patrol units have a realistic chance of intercepting the vehicle.
- Anyone was injured, kidnapped, or threatened with violence during the crime.
Visit a Police Station If:
- You discovered the vehicle missing after returning to where it was parked hours or days prior (e.g., overnight or after work).
- The immediate emergency has passed and you need to complete the formal paperwork, sign a sworn affidavit, and get your official SAPS CAS number.
- You need to submit supplementary vehicle documentation or track the progress of an existing criminal docket.
Key Considerations for Reporting Options
- Call 10111 or Go to Police Station: Calling 10111 alerts rapid response units on patrol, but you will still need to visit a station later to complete your official statement and docket creation.
- Can I Open a Case at Any Police Station? Yes. You can open a stolen vehicle case at any SAPS station across South Africa. However, for efficient investigation, SAPS will typically transfer the docket to the specific station that holds geographical jurisdiction over the location where the theft occurred.
- Can I Report a Crime Online South Africa? No. Vehicle theft involves strict legal circulation procedures and identity verification. SAPS requires physical presence and a signed sworn affidavit before circulating a vehicle as stolen on the national database.
What Information and Documents to Prepare
Having accurate vehicle details readily available significantly speeds up the process of circulating your car on police networks and issuing your CAS number.
Documents or details to prepare:
- Identification: Your original South African Identity Document, Smart ID Card, or valid passport (if a foreign national).
- Vehicle Registration Document (NATIS certificate): A physical copy or clear photo/PDF on your phone.
- Vehicle Identification Details:
- Vehicle Registration / License Plate Number.
- Make, Model, Color, and Year of manufacture.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN / Chassis Number).
- Engine Number (found on your vehicle license disc or NATIS certificate).
- Any identifying marks (e.g., scratches, dent locations, tinted windows, roof racks, aftermarket mags).
- Tracking Company Information: Account number, reference number, and immediate contact details for your vehicle tracking provider (if applicable).
- Details of the Incident: Exact address or landmark where the car was parked, the time interval during which it went missing, key status (whether you still have all physical keys), and details of any personal belongings left inside the vehicle.
Official source to verify
To verify official SAPS reporting guidelines, visit the SAPS Official Report Crime Service Page
or consult the SAPS Contact Directory
.
What Happens After You Report the Crime
When you report a stolen car at a police station, the process follows a structured administrative sequence:
[Statement & Sworn Affidavit]
│
▼
[Circulation on SAPS Database]
│
▼
[CAS Number Issuance]
│
▼
[Assignment to Vehicle Crime Unit / Detective]
│
▼
[Insurance Claim & Recovery Tracking]
- Statement & Affidavit Creation: A SAPS officer will interview you and draft a sworn statement detailing the timeline and circumstances of the theft. You must read and sign this document under oath.
- National Database Circulation: The officer enters your vehicle’s registration, VIN, and engine numbers into the SAPS national database. This flags the vehicle across all traffic monitoring networks, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems, border posts, and police patrols.
- CAS Number Issuance: You will receive a SAPS CAS (Crime Administration System) number formatted as
CAS [Number]/[Month]/[Year](e.g.,CAS 123/08/2026). - Docket Transfer & Detective Assignment: The case file is handed over to a detective, often within a specialized SAPS Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU).
- Insurance Notification: You must immediately provide your CAS number and statement copy to your short-term vehicle insurer to begin the claims process.
CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress
Understanding Your CAS Number
Your CAS number is the universal reference number for your case across the South African justice system. You will need this number for every interaction with the police, your insurance provider, banking institutions (if the car is financed), and tracking companies.
Detective Follow-Up & Station Visits
Within 24 to 48 hours of reporting, the assigned detective should make contact with you via SMS or phone call to provide their name, direct telephone contact, and station reference. If you do not hear from an investigating officer within 3 days:
- Visit or call the station where you logged the report.
- Request to speak with the Detective Commander on duty, quoting your CAS number.
If the Vehicle is Recovered
- If police or your tracking company locate the car, it will be moved to a SAPS Vehicle Safeguarding Unit (VSU) impound yard.
- You will be notified to inspect the vehicle and confirm identification.
- To release the vehicle, SAPS will conduct clearance procedures to verify engine and chassis numbers before issuing a clearance certificate.
Stolen Vehicle Scams & Bogus Sales
If your vehicle was taken under deceptive circumstances—such as a fake online payment, fraudulent test drive, or bogus buyer scam—this may legally constitute fraud or theft by false pretences rather than straightforward theft. Make sure to inform the police officer taking your statement, and learn more about handling online sale scams in our guide to report fraud to SAPS
.
Related Police Services and FAQs
Related police services
- SAPS Crime Stop: Call 08600 10111 or submit an anonymous tip-off online via the SAPS Crime Stop Portalif you have confidential information about syndicate car theft or chop shops.
- SAPS Vehicle Safeguarding Units (VSU): Specialized impound facilities where recovered vehicles are stored safely during forensic checks and ownership verification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I deal with report stolen car to police south africa?
To deal with a stolen car report in South Africa, act quickly: immediately call your vehicle tracking company and 10111 if the crime is active. Then go to your nearest SAPS station with your ID and vehicle registration details (VIN, engine number, license number) to lodge a sworn affidavit and obtain an official CAS number for your insurance company.
Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?
Yes. Reporting any crime, including vehicle theft, and obtaining a SAPS CAS number is completely free of charge at all South African Police Service stations. You do not have to pay for the docket creation, affidavit taking, or police investigation.
When should I call 10111 instead of visiting a police station?
You should call 10111 when there is an active emergency, a life-threatening situation (such as a violent hijacking), or when the theft has taken place within the past few minutes so that nearby active patrol vehicles can be alerted immediately. For older incidents or past occurrences where the emergency has passed, report directly to a station.
What is a SAPS CAS number?
A SAPS CAS (Crime Administration System) number is the official, unique reference code assigned to a criminal docket when a case is formally registered with the South African Police Service. It serves as proof of reporting and is required by insurance companies to process motor theft claims.