Emergency Warning: If you are in immediate danger, a crime is currently in progress, or lives are threatened, call 10111 immediately. To formally open a case, file an official statement, or receive a case number for a past incident, you must visit a police station in person.
Direct Answer: How to Report This Crime or Open a Case
Whether you should call 10111 or go to police station depends entirely on whether the situation is an active emergency or a past incident requiring official administrative action.
- Call 10111 immediately if a crime is happening right now, perpetrators are still at the scene, or someone’s life or safety is under threat. The 10111 emergency line dispatches flying squad and local patrol units to active emergency scenes.
- Go to a police station in person if the crime has already occurred, there is no immediate danger, or you need to register a docket, make a sworn statement, and obtain an official SAPS CAS (Crime Administration System) number. You cannot open a formal criminal case or receive a CAS number over the phone via 10111.
When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station
Knowing whether to contact the nationwide SAPS emergency number or travel to your nearest police station ensures you get the right support quickly while keeping emergency lines open for life-threatening situations.
When to Call 10111
10111 is South Africa’s nationwide police emergency response call center. Operators assess incoming calls and dispatch operational response vehicles to active incidents. Dial 10111 for:
- Crimes in progress: Armed robberies, home invasions, hijackings, or active break-ins.
- Immediate physical threats: Violent assaults, domestic abuse in progress, or domestic distress where urgent intervention is needed.
- Suspicious activities: Suspicious individuals or vehicles actively attempting to break into a property.
- Serious road incidents: Major accidents blocking highways or involving severe casualties requiring emergency police response.
If calling from a mobile phone, state your exact address, prominent landmarks, and nature of the emergency clearly. For additional crisis helplines, refer to our list of emergency police numbers.
When to Visit a Police Station
You should go directly to the nearest police station to open a case when:
- Opening a formal criminal case: Registering dockets for theft, fraud, burglary after the suspects have fled, assault after the fact, or property damage.
- Obtaining a CAS Number: Getting an official SAPS case number required for legal proceedings or private insurance claims.
- Administrative services: Having documents certified, making a sworn affidavit, or reporting lost property (ID, driver’s license, passport).
- Following up on existing cases: Inquiring about case status or providing additional evidence directly to your assigned detective.
Note: Station physical addresses, operating hours, and direct telephone lines can change. Always verify local station information against official SAPS channels before traveling.
What Information and Documents to Prepare
To help officers record your report accurately and process your case efficiently, prepare as much information as possible before arriving at the station.
Requirements
SAPS officers are legally required to assist any victim of crime who visits a station, even if full documentation is not immediately available. However, having your identification and evidence organized avoids unnecessary delays.
Documents or details to prepare
- Identification: South African Green Barcoded ID book, Smart ID Card, valid foreign passport, or official temporary permit.
- Written Timeline: A clear account of the event, including exact dates, estimated times, and the physical address or location where the crime took place.
- Property Details: For stolen items, gather serial numbers, device IMEI numbers, makes, models, or photos. For stolen motor vehicles, have the registration number, engine/VIN number, and vehicle specs ready.
- Suspect or Witness Details: Physical descriptions of suspects (height, clothing, language spoken, marks/tattoos) and contact details of any eye-witnesses.
- Supporting Evidence: Photos of physical injuries or property damage, CCTV footage (saved on a USB drive), bank records (for financial fraud), or a medical examination report (J88 form completed by a doctor following physical or sexual assault).
What Happens After You Report the Crime
When you visit the Community Service Centre (CSC) at a police station to report a crime, officers will take you through a standardized administrative procedure:
- Statement Taking: A SAPS officer will interview you and draft an official sworn statement (affidavit) detailing what happened. Review this document carefully before signing to ensure every detail is accurate.
- System Registration: The completed statement and incident details are logged into the SAPS Crime Administration System database.
- CAS Number Allocation: The system automatically generates a unique reference number—your CAS number.
- Detective Assignment: The case docket is handed over to the station’s Investigation Unit, where an investigating officer (detective) is assigned to handle the investigation.
For a broader breakdown of legal rights and reporting steps across South Africa, read our general guide on How to Report a Crime in South Africa.
CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress
Understanding Your SAPS CAS Number
A CAS number (e.g., CAS 123/08/2026) is the official unique reference code assigned to your criminal docket. The format consists of a sequential docket number, followed by the month and year the report was registered.
This number serves as official proof that the crime was logged. You must present your CAS number when:
- Filing claims with short-term insurance providers.
- Inquiring about docket updates at the police station.
- Adding new evidence or statements to an open investigation.
Ensure you leave the station with your written CAS reference slip, or confirm that an SMS notification has been dispatched to your mobile phone. Learn more in our detailed resource on the SAPS CAS Number.
Detective Follow-Up & Case Progress
- Automated SMS Notification: SAPS provides automated SMS updates containing your CAS number alongside the name and phone number of your assigned detective once docket allocation takes place.
- Communicating with the Detective: Contact your investigating officer during standard office hours to ask about progress, present leads, or submit additional witness statements.
- Court Inquiries: If suspects are arrested, the investigating officer will keep you informed regarding court appearance dates, bail hearings, or court testimony requirements.
Related Police Services and FAQs
Related police services
- Crime Stop (08600 10111): A confidential hotline for reporting tip-offs on illegal activities, trade in illicit goods, or wanted criminals anonymously.
- MySAPS Mobile App: A mobile application allowing citizens to report anonymous tip-offs and locate local stations.
- Jurisdiction Guidelines: Unsure if you must visit the station located where the crime took place? Check Can I Open a Case at Any Police Station for clear jurisdiction rules.
- Digital Services: To understand what can and cannot be done online, consult Can I Report a Crime Online South Africa.
Official source to verify
For official protocols, direct station contact lists, and government legislation regarding police services, refer to primary SAPS portals:
FAQs
How do I deal with call 10111 or go to police station?
Evaluate whether you face an immediate emergency. If a crime is in progress or safety is threatened, dial 10111 immediately. If you need to open a docket, submit evidence, or obtain an official CAS number for an past incident, go in person to your local police station. Always confirm station addresses and phone numbers against official SAPS channels before traveling.
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. SAPS officials are not permitted to charge fees for registering dockets, issuing CAS numbers, taking affidavits, or investigating reported crimes.
When should I call 10111 instead of visiting a police station?
Call 10111 when immediate police intervention is required to protect life or secure an active crime scene (such as an ongoing burglary, assault, or hijacking). Visiting a station is required for opening non-urgent criminal cases, completing affidavits, or getting document copies certified.
What is a SAPS CAS number?
A SAPS CAS (Crime Administration System) number is a unique case reference code generated when a crime docket is logged into the SAPS database. It acts as official proof of your report and is required for detective follow-ups and insurance claims.