Direct Answer: How to Report This Crime or Open a Case
To open a police case in South Africa, you need an official identification document (such as a South African ID card or book, passport, or driver’s license), a detailed account of the incident (including date, time, and location), and any available evidence or witness contact details.
Emergency Warning: If you are currently in immediate danger or a crime is actively taking place, call 10111immediately. For non-emergencies or to formally open a case at SAPS, you must physically visit your nearest police station.
While having official identification speeds up administrative processing, SAPS officers cannot legally refuse to take your statement or assist you simply because you do not have an ID on hand at that moment.
When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station
Knowing whether to phone emergency services or walk into a police station ensures you get the right response quickly:
| Situation / Need | Action Required | Primary Contact / Channel |
| Active crime in progress | Call emergency line immediately | 10111 |
| Immediate threat to life or physical safety | Call emergency line immediately | 10111 |
| Reporting a past crime (burglary, fraud, theft) | Visit a police station | Nearest SAPS Police Station |
| Opening a formal criminal case & getting a CAS number | Visit a police station | Community Service Centre (CSC) |
| Submitting a sworn witness affidavit | Visit a police station | Community Service Centre (CSC) |
| Providing an anonymous tip-off on crime | Call Crime Stop or use MySAPS App | 08600 10111 / Online Portal |
For detailed guidance on choosing the right approach, see our resource on Call 10111 or Go to Police Station and locate your nearest police station to open a case. Keep critical emergency police numbers stored on your mobile phone for rapid access during emergencies.
What Information and Documents to Prepare
Preparing the necessary details before visiting the station’s Community Service Centre (CSC) will help the attending officer complete your statement efficiently.
Requirements & Identification
- Official Identity Document: Bring your South African Smart ID card, green barcoded ID book, temporary ID certificate, valid driver’s license, or passport. Foreign nationals should bring a valid passport, asylum permit, or refugee document.
- Personal Contact Details: Your current residential address, daytime phone number, and email address.
Documents or Details to Prepare
Gather and organize the relevant documents needed to open a police case based on the specific incident:
- Incident Information:
- Exact date, approximate time, and precise physical location of the incident.
- A step-by-step account detailing exactly what happened and what was observed.
- Property, Theft & Vehicle Details:
- An itemized list of stolen, lost, or damaged goods.
- Serial numbers, make, model, color, and unique markings of stolen property.
- IMEI numbers for stolen mobile phones (obtainable from your network service provider).
- Vehicle registration number, VIN number, engine number, and color if reporting motor vehicle theft or hijack.
- Financial & Cybercrime Evidence:
- Bank statements, proof of payment receipts, or transfer references showing fraudulent transactions.
- Printed copies or screenshots of suspicious emails, SMS messages, messaging apps, or phone numbers.
- Evidence & Witness Information:
- Preserved physical evidence (kept in a safe, clean state).
- Photos of forced entry, property damage, or injuries, as well as CCTV or audio recordings.
- Contact details (full names, mobile numbers, physical addresses) of any witnesses.
- Medical Reports (Assault / GBV / Physical Harm):
- If physical violence or sexual assault occurred, report to the police station as soon as possible. SAPS will issue a J88 medical form, which must be completed by a medical practitioner or district surgeon to officially document injuries for the court file.
What Happens After You Report the Crime
When you report a crime at a SAPS station, your complaint goes through a structured administrative and legal process:
- Taking the Statement (Affidavit): A SAPS officer will interview you and write down your sworn statement in English detailing the events. Read through the written statement carefully (or ask the officer to read it to you) to confirm all facts before signing under oath.
- System Registration: The officer inputs your report into the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS).
- Issuance of CAS Number: A unique CAS number is generated by the system. You will receive this via SMS or as a printed receipt slip before leaving the station.
- Docket Assignment: The case docket is transferred to the station’s Detective Services unit and allocated to an investigating officer (detective).
- Investigation & Prosecution: The assigned detective investigates the crime, collects further evidence, interviews witnesses, and submits the completed docket to the Senior State Prosecutor to determine court proceedings.
CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress
A SAPS CAS Number (Crime Administration System number) is the official reference code for your reported case. It typically follows this structure:
$$\text{CAS } [ \text{Case Number} ] / [ \text{Month} ] / [ \text{Year} ]$$
(Example: CAS 123/08/2026)
Why the CAS Number is Essential
- Insurance Claims: Required by insurance providers to process claims for stolen or damaged property.
- Official Verification: Acts as legal proof that the crime was formally registered with law enforcement.
- Case Inquiries: Needed every time you contact SAPS to check progress or supply further details.
Following Up with Your Detective
- Contacting the Detective Branch: Phone or visit the Detective Branch at the station where you registered the case, providing your CAS reference number.
- Identifying Your Officer: Request the name, direct desk line, and cell phone number of the assigned investigating officer once allocated.
- Submitting Additional Evidence: If you discover new evidence, witness contacts, or stolen item serial numbers later, visit the station with your CAS number to make a supplementary statement.
Related Police Services and FAQs
Official Source Verification
For official policies, station locations, and public safety updates, refer directly to primary South African government resources:
FAQs
How do I deal with what do I need to open a police case?
To handle opening a police case, bring your identity document, prepare a clear sequence of events with dates and locations, gather relevant evidence or item serial numbers, and visit the Community Service Centre at your local police station to make a sworn statement.
Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?
Yes. Opening a criminal case, submitting an affidavit, and receiving an official CAS number is completely free at all South African Police Service stations.
When should I call 10111 instead of visiting a police station?
Call 10111 immediately if a crime is in progress, if perpetrators are still present, or if anyone’s personal safety is under active threat. Visit a station directly for past incidents where there is no immediate danger.
What is a SAPS CAS number?
A SAPS CAS number is a unique reference code generated by the Crime Administration System when a case is officially opened. It proves the crime was reported and is required for detective follow-ups and insurance claims.
Can I open a case at any police station?
While SAPS officers can take your statement at any station nationwide, the case will ultimately be transferred to the station governing the precinct where the crime actually occurred. Learn more about station jurisdiction in our guide on Can I Open a Case at Any Police Station.
Can I report a crime online in South Africa?
You cannot complete the process of opening a formal criminal case online because a physically signed sworn affidavit is required by law. However, you can submit anonymous tips via the MySAPS app or online portals. Read details in Can I Report a Crime Online South Africa.
For complete guidance on reporting procedures across different crime categories, read our comprehensive overview on How to Report a Crime in South Africa.