Report Cybercrime South Africa

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

To report cybercrime South Africa and open an official criminal case, you must visit your nearest police station

 in person to lay a formal charge with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

While many victims ask Can I Report a Crime Online South Africa

, SAPS does not currently issue official criminal case numbers (CAS numbers) online or via email. Online tip-off portals and cybersecurity reporting hotlines exist for threat intelligence sharing, but initiating a formal criminal investigation requires a signed sworn affidavit and physical station reporting.

To understand the broader procedural steps for opening any criminal docket, review our main guide on How to Report a Crime in South Africa

. If your case involves stolen funds, online phishing, or banking scams, you should also follow the specific steps to report fraud to SAPS

 alongside filing your cybercrime report.

When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station

Knowing whether to Call 10111 or Go to Police Station

 depends on whether you are experiencing an active emergency or seeking to lodge an evidentiary report.

• Call 10111 Immediately: If you are in immediate physical danger, facing real-time extortion or home invasion threats linked to online harassment, or if an intruder or active physical crime is underway. Keep our list of emergency police numbers accessible for fast reference.
• Visit a Police Station: When you need to lodge a formal cybercrime complaint, submit evidence (such as screenshots, bank statements, or email headers), and receive an official CAS number. If your physical phone or hardware was stolen during a cyber-related theft, learn how to open an open case for stolen phone.
• Station Choice: Under SAPS standing orders, officers at any Community Service Centre are required to assist you and open a docket, regardless of where the crime occurred or where you live. For details on jurisdictional rules, see Can I Open a Case at Any Police Station.

What Information and Documents to Prepare

Requirements

Under the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020, South African law provides clear legal definitions for digital offenses including unlawful access (hacking), cyber extortion, ransomware, malicious communications, and illegal intercept of data. Preparing organized evidence before visiting the station significantly speeds up the docket registration process.

Documents or details to prepare

Before reporting cybercrime at a station, gather and print the following items:

• Official Identification: Original South African Smart ID card, green barcoded ID book, or valid passport.
• Detailed Written Statement: A chronological timeline of events outlining dates, times, financial losses, phone numbers, email addresses, and website links involved.
• Printed Evidence:
  • Screenshots of deceptive emails, phishing websites, SMS/WhatsApp communications, or social media profiles (ensure phone numbers or full email header details are visible).
  • Proof of transaction: Bank statements, proof of payment (EFT) receipts, or crypto transfer logs highlighting unauthorized transfers.
  • Technical details: IP addresses, account usernames, device serial numbers, or extortion notes.
• Bank Incident Reference: If financial accounts were compromised, report the event immediately to your bank’s fraud department and request an official bank fraud reference number to include in your SAPS affidavit.

Official source to verify

For verified policy details, emergency contact directories, and official crime statistics, refer to official government resources:

• SAPS Crime Reporting Portal
• SAPS Contact & Station Directory
• SAPS Crime Stop Anonymous Tip-Offs

What Happens After You Report the Crime

1. Statement & Affidavit: At the station’s Community Service Centre (CSC), an officer records your statement and assists you in signing a sworn affidavit under oath.
2. Opening the Docket: The officer enters the incident into the SAPS Crime Administration System under the relevant cybercrime or fraud statutory classification.
3. Receipt of CAS Number: You will be handed a physical SAPS case slip containing your unique CAS number (e.g., CAS 142/08/2026).
4. Docket Allocation: The docket is assigned to an investigating officer within the station’s Detective Service or escalated to the SAPS Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks / DPCI) Cybercrime Unit for complex or syndicate-level offenses.

CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress

Your CAS Number is your official proof that a crime was reported to SAPS. You will need this number when providing updates to your bank, submitting claims to cyber or theft insurance providers, and following up on investigative progress.

• Detective Assignment: Within 24 to 48 hours after filing, an investigating officer (detective) is assigned to your case. SAPS typically sends an automated SMS with the detective’s name, rank, station, and contact details.
• Following Up on Progress:
  • Contact the relevant police station directly, reference your CAS number, and request to speak with the assigned investigating officer.
  • If new evidence arises (such as additional fraudulent transactions or new messages from the offender), bring printed copies directly to your assigned detective to add to the physical docket.
  • If you experience delays or receive no communication after several days, visit the station in person and ask to consult the Detective Branch Commander.

Related Police Services and FAQs

Related police services

• SAPS Crime Stop (08600 10111): Use Crime Stop to submit anonymous tips regarding cybercrime syndicates, online scams, or illicit digital operations.
• Bank Fraud Departments: Always notify your bank’s emergency fraud line immediately upon discovering cyber theft to attempt transaction holds or account freezes.
• Cybersecurity Hub (DCDT): South Africa’s National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) provides public advisories on emerging online threats and phishing campaigns.

FAQs

How do I deal with report cybercrime south africa?

To deal with cybercrime in South Africa, preserve all digital evidence (screenshots, bank statements, messages), notify your bank immediately if funds are compromised, and visit your nearest SAPS station in person to submit a sworn affidavit, open a criminal docket, and receive an official CAS number.

Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?

Yes, reporting a crime and opening a criminal docket at any South African Police Service station is completely free of charge. SAPS officers will never charge a fee to record a statement, open a case, or issue a CAS number.

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

Call 10111 immediately if you are experiencing an active emergency, ongoing physical threat, or a live crime in progress. If you need to submit evidence, sign a statement, and receive a CAS number for an existing cybercrime, visit a police station in person. Always verify local station operating hours before traveling.

What is a SAPS CAS number?

A SAPS CAS (Crime Administration System) number is a unique reference number generated when a criminal case is officially registered by the police. It serves as your primary tracking reference for police inquiries, banking fraud claims, and legal proceedings.