Emergency Warning: If you are in immediate danger or a crime is currently in progress, call 10111 immediately or contact emergency police numbers
. To officially open a criminal case and receive a CAS number, you must physically report the incident at your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station.
Direct Answer: How to Report This Crime or Open a Case
A SAPS CAS number (Crime Administration System number) is the official reference number issued by the South African Police Service whenever a crime or criminal incident is formally registered in their electronic database. It serves as legal proof that a criminal docket has been opened and acts as your primary reference for all police follow-ups, court proceedings, and insurance claims.
To get a SAPS CAS number, you must follow these immediate steps:
- Locate your nearest police station: You can open a docket at any station, though reporting at the station covering the jurisdiction where the crime occurred speeds up the investigation. Find your nearest police stationbefore traveling.
- Make a formal statement: Present your South African ID document or passport to the attending officer and complete a detailed, sworn affidavit describing the incident.
- Receive your CAS number: Once your statement is logged into the Crime Administration System, the officer will hand you a registration slip or send an automated SMS containing your official CAS number.
For broader context on navigating police procedures, review our guide on How to Report a Crime in South Africa
.
When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station
Knowing whether to call the national emergency line or visit a police station directly saves vital time during a crisis:
| Situation | Action to Take | Contact / Channel |
| Active crime in progress | Call immediately | 10111 |
| Immediate threat to life or safety | Call immediately | 10111 |
| Suspect still on the scene | Call immediately | 10111 |
| Opening a new criminal case | Visit in person | Nearest police station |
| Submitting physical evidence or documents | Visit in person | Client Service Centre (CSC) |
| Getting a certified copy or CAS reference | Visit in person | Client Service Centre (CSC) |
For a complete breakdown of when to choose between dispatch services and in-person reporting, read Call 10111 or Go to Police Station
.
If you are unsure whether location restrictions apply, see Can I Open a Case at Any Police Station
. Note that while specialized channels exist for anonymous tips, you cannot open a standard criminal docket requiring a CAS number online—learn more in our guide Can I Report a Crime Online South Africa
.
What Information and Documents to Prepare
Having the correct documentation ready when you arrive at the station ensures your docket is opened swiftly and accurately.
Requirements
To log a case, you must be prepared to give a sworn statement (affidavit) under oath. Lying on a police affidavit is a criminal offense (perjury).
Documents or details to prepare
- Proof of Identity: Original South African ID card/book, valid passport, foreign identity document, or official asylum seeker permit.
- Incident Details: Exact date, time, physical address, or landmarks where the crime occurred.
- Itemized List of Property: For theft, robbery, or burglary, prepare a written list of missing items including exact makes, models, serial numbers, color descriptions, and estimated values.
- Vehicle Details (if applicable): Registration number, VIN/chassis number, engine number, make, model, and insurance policy details.
- Evidence: Photographs of damage or injuries, CCTV footage saved on a USB flash drive, digital screenshots, or medical forms (such as a SAPS J88 form completed by a doctor following physical assault).
- Witness Information: Names, phone numbers, and addresses of any individuals who witnessed the incident.
What Happens After You Report the Crime
Once you provide your information at the station’s Client Service Centre (CSC), the process follows a structured sequence:
- Statement Entry: The officer transcribes your account into a formal statement (SAPS 3M form) which you must review, sign, and swear to under oath.
- Registration in CAS: The statement is registered on the computer system, creating a digital criminal docket.
- CAS Number Issuance: You are provided with a written slip or SMS containing your CAS number (formatted as
CAS [Docket Number]/[Month]/[Year], e.g.,CAS 123/05/2026). - Docket Allocation: The station commander or detective branch commander reviews the case and allocates it to an investigating officer (detective).
- Investigation Phase: The assigned detective collects evidence, interviews witnesses, and provides updates as the investigation progresses.
CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress
Your CAS number is the single key to tracking your case. Understanding what is a CAS number and how it functions helps you manage follow-ups effectively.
Understanding the CAS Number Format
A standard CAS number looks like this: CAS 456/11/2025
- 456: The unique sequential docket number assigned at that specific station.
- 11: The month the case was reported (November).
- 2025: The year the case was reported.
Following Up on Your Case
To check the status of an ongoing investigation:
- Contact the Detective: Once assigned, the investigating officer’s direct contact details will be sent to you via SMS. Quote your CAS number whenever you call or text them.
- Station Visit: If you do not receive updates, visit the detective branch at the station where you reported the crime and request a case status report using your CAS number.
- For step-by-step guidance on escalating slow investigations or contacting branch commanders, visit our resource on SAPS case follow up.
What to Do If You Lose Your CAS Number
If you misplace your reference number, you can retrieve it by visiting the Client Service Centre at the station where you filed the report. Present your ID document and the date you filed the report, or consult our dedicated guide on lost CAS number
for additional recovery steps.
Related Police Services and FAQs
Related police services
- Crime Stop (08600 10111): A confidential service for submitting anonymous tips about criminal activities. Learn more via the official SAPS Crime Stop Portal.
- Emergency Response (10111): The nationwide line for flying squad and emergency police dispatch.
- SAPS Service Complaints: If your case is neglected or handled improperly, you can lodge a formal service complaint through the SAPS Contact Directory.
Official source to verify
For official government guidelines on crime reporting and police regulations, refer directly to the SAPS Official Crime Reporting Page
.
FAQs
What is a SAPS CAS number?
A SAPS CAS number (Crime Administration System number) is an official reference code generated when a crime is formally registered with the South African Police Service. It consists of a docket number, month, and year (e.g., CAS 101/01/2026) and is required for insurance claims and tracking police progress.
How do I deal with saps cas number?
Keep your CAS number in a safe place. Share it with your insurance provider to process claims for stolen or damaged goods, and quote it every time you contact the assigned SAPS detective or visit the police station to request a case progress update.
Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?
Yes. Opening a criminal docket, filing a police statement, and receiving a SAPS CAS number is completely free of charge at all police stations across South Africa. SAPS officers are not permitted to charge fees for reporting crimes or certifying documents related to a case.
When should I call 10111 instead of visiting a police station?
You should call 10111 when a crime is actively happening, if suspects are still at the scene, or if someone’s life or physical safety is in immediate danger. Visit a police station in person when the immediate danger has passed and you need to give a full statement and receive a CAS number.
Disclaimer: PoliceStation.co.za is an independent informational directory and guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official portal of the South African Police Service (SAPS). For official government services, emergencies, or direct inquiries, please contact SAPS directly on 10111 or visit your local police station.