Evidence for Police Case

Emergency Warning: If you are currently in danger, a crime is actively in progress, or lives are at risk, do not wait to collect evidence. Call 10111 immediately for emergency police response or go directly to your nearest police station.

PoliceStation.co.za is an independent, practical guidance platform helping South Africans navigate police procedures. We are independent of SAPS, but our guidance reflects official South African Police Service procedures.

Direct Answer: How to Report This Crime or Open a Case

To provide evidence for police case files in South Africa, you must present your information to the South African Police Service (SAPS) when you open a case at SAPS. Evidence includes any physical item, digital record, witness contact details, or financial documentation that supports your account of what happened.

The safest and most effective way to report a crime and submit evidence is to visit the Community Service Centre (CSC) at your local police station. A police official will interview you, take your formal sworn statement (affidavit), record your evidence, and register the incident on the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS).

If you are asking what evidence do I need to report a crime, the essential items to bring are your original South African ID (or valid passport), a clear chronological account of events, and any primary proof (such as photos, financial statements, medical records, or proof of ownership).

When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station

Knowing whether to use emergency police numbers or visit a station in person depends on the urgency of the situation.

• Call 10111 (Crime Emergency): Call immediately if a crime is in progress, if suspects are still at the scene, or if someone is physically threatened or injured. SAPS dispatchers will send patrol units directly to the location. If officers attend the crime scene, they will secure the area, collect physical evidence, and take initial statements on-site.
• Visit a Police Station: For past incidents, non-urgent property crimes, fraud reports, or submitting supplementary evidence, visiting your local station in person is required. When deciding whether to Call 10111 or Go to Police Station, note that opening a formal case docket almost always requires a signed statement taken at the station unless officers registered the docket directly at an active crime scene.
• Call Crime Stop (08600 10111): If you wish to provide tips or evidence regarding criminal activity anonymously without opening a personal case docket, contact SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS mobile app.

If you are unsure where to go, locate your nearest police station to open a case to ensure your report is directed to the correct local station.

What Information and Documents to Prepare

When preparing evidence for police case submission, organizing your documents beforehand speeds up docket creation and prevents processing delays.

Mandatory Requirements & Identification

• Proof of Identity: Original South African Smart ID card, green barcoded ID book, or valid passport (with valid visa/permit if applicable).
• Personal Details: Full residential address, postal address, and contact telephone numbers.
• Incident Details: Accurate date, time, and address/location of the incident.

Supporting Evidence Checklist

1. Physical & Property Evidence: Photos of property damage, forced entry, or personal injuries. Keep damaged items safe and intact; do not clean, wash, or alter physical evidence before police review.
2. Digital Evidence: Printed screenshots of text messages, emails, WhatsApp chats, social media interactions, bank transaction records, or proof of payment. Store digital copies on a USB drive or secure link to provide to the investigating officer.
3. CCTV & Video Footage: Note any private, business, or municipal security cameras in the area. Secure video files on a flash drive if accessible.
4. Medical & Forensic Reports: For assault, domestic violence, or sexual offenses, present a SAPS Form 88 (J88) completed by a medical practitioner, or visit the station/hospital immediately so officers can initiate a medical referral.
5. Proof of Ownership: Invoices, receipts, serial numbers, or IMEI numbers (for mobile devices) proving ownership of stolen or damaged goods.
6. Witness Details: Names, contact numbers, and addresses of any eyewitnesses.

What Happens After You Report the Crime

The docket and evidence registration process follows a standard sequence:

1. Initial CSC Interview: At the Community Service Centre, a police official interviews you to establish the nature of the crime.
2. Sworn Statement (Affidavit): The officer drafts your formal statement under oath. You will read the statement (or have it read to you) and sign or thumbprint it once confirmed accurate.
3. System Registration: The officer registers your complaint in the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS) or Crime Register.
4. CAS Number Issuance: You are given a unique CAS reference number via SMS or written receipt.
5. Detective Allocation: The completed case docket is assigned to an investigating officer (detective) at the relevant branch.
6. Investigation & NPA Presentation: The detective gathers further evidence, interviews witnesses, performs arrests if applicable, and presents the completed docket to the court for prosecution.

Many complainants ask: “Can I Open a Case at Any Police Station?”. Yes. Any SAPS station in South Africa is obligated to accept your report and open a docket, after which they will transfer it to the station responsible for the precinct where the crime occurred.

Citizens also wonder: “Can I Report a Crime Online South Africa?”. While you can submit anonymous tips online via Crime Stop or the MySAPS app, opening a formal criminal case docket requiring a signed affidavit must be completed in person at a station or with responding officers.

CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress

Your CAS (Crime Administration System) Number is your official reference number for tracking your evidence for police case updates. It follows the format: Case Number / Month / Year (e.g., 123/04/2026).

Managing Your Case Progress

• Keep Your CAS Number Safe: You need this number for all follow-up queries with SAPS and for filing insurance claims.
• Identify Your Detective: You will usually receive an SMS with your assigned investigating officer’s name, phone number, and rank.
• Submitting Additional Evidence: If you obtain new evidence after opening the case (such as new CCTV footage, serial numbers, or witness details), take your CAS number to the police station. Request to speak with your investigating officer so they can add an annexure statement to your docket.
• Docket Follow-Up: Contact your investigating officer directly or visit the station with your CAS number to check on investigation progress.

Related Police Services and FAQs

For broader information on navigating police services, explore our guide on How to Report a Crime in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I deal with evidence for police case?

Preserve all physical, digital, and written evidence in its original condition. Do not alter, clean, or tamper with physical items. Prepare printed and digital copies of photos, messages, or documents, and present them to the SAPS official when making your statement or directly to your assigned investigating officer along with your CAS number.

Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?

Yes. Reporting a crime and opening a case docket at any SAPS police station is completely free of charge. Police officials cannot charge any fee to take a statement or investigate a crime.

When should I call 10111 instead of visiting a police station?

Call 10111 when there is an active emergency, a crime in progress, an immediate risk to personal safety, or when suspects are still at the scene. For non-urgent incidents that occurred in the past, visit your local police station in person to submit evidence and make a sworn statement.

What is a SAPS CAS number?

A CAS (Crime Administration System) number is a unique reference number generated when a crime is registered by SAPS. It serves as official proof that a case docket has been opened and is required to track case progress, submit additional evidence, or lodge insurance claims.

Key Next Steps

• Emergency Assistance: Call 10111 immediately if you are in danger.
• Open a Case: Find your nearest police station to submit evidence and make a sworn statement.
• Anonymous Tip-Offs: Call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app to share crime tips anonymously.

Official SAPS protocols and details can be verified on the SAPS Report Crime Portal, SAPS Contact Page, and SAPS Crime Stop Portal.