Emergency Warning: If you are experiencing an active emergency or a crime is currently in progress, do not wait—call 10111 immediately. To open a new case, report a crime, or lodge official statements, you must visit your nearest police station in person.
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Direct Answer: How to Report This Crime or Open a Case
If you have a lost CAS number (Crime Administration System number), you do not need to open a new police case. Opening a duplicate report complicates police records and can delay active investigations.
To recover a lost CAS number, you can retrieve your original case reference details directly from SAPS through these practical steps:
- Check Your Phone SMS Records: When a case is logged into the SAPS Crime Administration System, an automated SMS containing the reference number is sent to the primary contact number supplied by the complainant. Search your messaging app for terms like “CAS”, “SAPS”, or “Case Number”.
- Visit the Community Service Centre (CSC): Go to the SAPS police station where you originally opened the docket. Speak directly to the officer at the Community Service Centre desk.
- Provide Your Official Identity Document: Ask the desk officer to search the SAPS CAS database using your South African ID number or passport details.
- Supply Specific Incident Details: If required to narrow down search results, provide the date, time, approximate location, and type of offense (e.g., housebreaking, theft, motor vehicle collision).
- Contact the Assigned Investigating Officer: If you know the name or unit of the detective assigned to your matter, contact them directly—they can locate your file on the SAPS e-Docket system.
For general guidance on initiating a standard report, view our comprehensive guide on How to Report a Crime in South Africa.
When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station
Knowing whether to place an emergency phone call or attend a police station physically helps deploy emergency personnel effectively and saves you time.
- Call 10111 (Emergency Police Numbers): Dial the national toll-free line 10111 when an emergency is underway, lives or property are threatened, suspects are nearby, or urgent police dispatch is required. Emergency operators will mobilize immediate response vehicles. For nationwide emergency channels, refer to our directory of emergency police numbers.
- Visit a Police Station: You must visit a station in person to open a docket, submit physical evidence, sign affidavits, retrieve a lost CAS number, or request document certification.
- Station Desk Calls: If calling a station directly to inquire about a retrieved docket, ensure you verify the police station contact number against official records first, as landline numbers may change.
For a full breakdown of response options, consult Call 10111 or Go to Police Station.
What Information and Documents to Prepare
Having complete information ready when visiting the police station ensures an efficient database search for your lost CAS number.
Requirements
To verify that you are the complainant or an authorized representative associated with the case docket, SAPS officers must confirm your identity and match incident details in the system.
Documents or Details to Prepare
- Valid Identification: Original South African Smart ID card, green barcoded ID book, temporary ID certificate, or valid passport.
- Contact Details Used at Reporting: The cell phone number and residential address recorded on the original incident statement.
- Incident Date and Time: The exact or estimated date and time the crime occurred and when it was originally reported.
- Location and Crime Type: The suburb, street name, or landmark where the incident occurred, along with the nature of the crime.
- Insurance Claim Information: Any third-party reference numbers or insurance paperwork that might help cross-reference station entry logs.
Official Source to Verify
For official government guidelines and administrative contacts, refer to official SAPS portals:
What Happens After You Report the Crime
Understanding the standard administrative sequence helps you track progress and know what steps come next:
- Statement & CAS Entry: When you report a crime at the station, an officer takes your statement and registers the incident on the Crime Administration System (CAS).
- CAS Number Allocation: The system automatically assigns a unique reference formatted as
CAS [Number]/[Month]/[Year](e.g.,CAS 456/05/2026). - SMS Notification: An automated text message containing your unique SAPS CAS number is sent to your registered contact number.
- Detective Assignment: The case docket is handed over to the station’s Detective Branch, where an Investigating Officer (IO) is assigned.
- e-Docket Auditing: SAPS logs dockets electronically to safeguard case information, avoid docket misplacement, and allow audit trails across provincial commands.
If you are unsure whether you can lodge a complaint at a station outside your area, see Can I Open a Case at Any Police Station. For information on online channels, read Can I Report a Crime Online South Africa.
CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress
Your SAPS CAS number is essential for monitoring case development, following up with detectives, and filing insurance claims.
Managing Case Follow-Up
- Keep Your Reference Ready: Always quote your full CAS reference when contacting the station or requesting progress updates.
- Contact Your Detective: Request the direct desk extension and name of your Investigating Officer (IO) from the Detective Branch.
- Submitting Further Evidence: If new evidence or suspect details become available after opening the docket, take your CAS number to the Community Service Centre to file a supplementary statement.
- Insurance Verification: Insurance providers require an official SAPS CAS number before evaluating claims for stolen property or damaged vehicles. If you have a lost CAS number, request a printed SAPS case confirmation slip from the station desk once retrieved.
Related Police Services and FAQs
Related Police Services
- Police Clearance Certificates (PCC): Submit fingerprint applications for official criminal record status checks.
- Document Certification: Get photocopies certified free of charge at any SAPS station (bring original documents and your own copies).
- Crime Stop Tip-Offs: Report illegal activities anonymously via the national toll-free line 08600 10111 or the MySAPS mobile app.
FAQs
How do I deal with lost cas number?
To resolve a lost CAS number, visit the SAPS police station where you reported the crime and ask the Community Service Centre desk officer to search the system using your identity document or passport number. You can also search your phone’s SMS inbox for messages received from SAPS when the case was registered. Do not open a duplicate case.
Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?
Yes, reporting a crime, opening a case docket, and receiving a CAS number at any South African Police Service station is entirely free of charge.
When should I call 10111 instead of visiting a police station?
Call 10111 immediately if a crime is in progress, lives or property are in danger, or urgent police intervention is needed.Visit a police station to report past crimes, retrieve a lost CAS number, submit additional statements, or certify documents.
What is a SAPS CAS number?
A SAPS CAS number (Crime Administration System number) is a unique official reference code generated when a criminal complaint is logged into the police database. Formatted as CAS [Sequence Number]/[MM]/[YYYY], it is required for detective follow-ups, court files, and insurance claims.
Conversion & Next Steps
- Locate a Station: Find your nearest police station to retrieve case details or make inquiries in person.
- Active Emergencies: Call 10111 immediately for urgent police assistance.
- Anonymous Tips: Report suspicious activity to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.