If you are a victim of a crime or need to report an offense in South Africa, you can legally report a crime and open a docket at any South African Police Service (SAPS) station.
However, for the fastest and most efficient investigation, you should report the crime to the police station responsible for the area where the incident occurred (the station with territorial jurisdiction). If you are far from that location or in immediate danger, you can visit the nearest SAPS station, and officers are legally obligated to take your statement and transfer the case to the correct jurisdictional station.
Emergency Warning: If a crime is currently in progress, if a life is threatened, or if you require immediate emergency assistance, do not drive to a police station. Call 10111 immediately.
Direct Answer: How to Report This Crime or Open a Case
Under SAPS national instructions, no police officer may refuse to take a criminal report or open a case docket simply because the crime happened outside their station’s sector or policing area.
Here is how to choose where to report:
- Where the crime took place (Recommended): Reporting directly at the local police station covering the crime scene allows officers to dispatch a van immediately to collect evidence, interview eyewitnesses, or check local CCTV cameras.
- At your nearest SAPS station: If you cannot travel to the location where the crime occurred—or if you only discovered the crime after returning home—you can report it at your closest local station. The officer on duty will draft your affidavit, open a temporary docket, and forward the entire case file to the investigating station.
If you are unsure where your local station is located, you can use a SAPS station finder
to look up contact numbers and physical addresses across South Africa.
When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station
Understanding whether to make an emergency phone call or visit a station in person ensures you get the right response at the right time.
| Situation | Action Required | Contact / Channel |
| Active Emergency (In progress, suspect nearby, physical danger) | Call immediately for dispatch | Call 10111 |
| Past Crime / Opening a Docket (Burglary discovered later, theft, fraud) | Visit station in person to make a sworn statement | Physical SAPS station |
| Anonymous Tip-Off (Reporting drug activity, illegal firearms, wanted persons) | Submit a confidential report | Call 08600 10111(Crime Stop) |
For a detailed comparison of emergency protocols, read our full breakdown on Call 10111 or Go to Police Station
and bookmark our list of emergency police numbers
.
Note on Online Reporting: Many citizens ask: Can I Report a Crime Online South Africa
? Currently, opening a formal criminal case docket requiring a CAS number requires an in-person sworn affidavit at a SAPS police station or with an attending police officer. Online portals are primarily used for anonymous tip-offs or service feedback.
What Information and Documents to Prepare
Visiting a police station with the right details helps speed up the statement-taking process and reduces delays when opening your docket.
Requirements
To open a criminal case in South Africa, you must be prepared to provide a sworn written statement (affidavit) under oath, describing the events accurately and truthfully.
Documents or details to prepare
- South African ID Book / Smart ID Card or a valid international Passport.
- Exact address or cross-streets where the incident occurred.
- Date and approximate time of the crime.
- Serial numbers, IMEI numbers, or photos of stolen property (essential for stolen cellphones, laptops, electronics, or vehicles).
- Vehicle registration and description (if a motor vehicle theft or accident is involved).
- Medical report / J88 form (if physical assault or bodily injury occurred; police will issue this form for a doctor or hospital to complete).
- Contact details of witnesses who saw the event or can corroborate your account.
What Happens After You Report the Crime
Once you arrive at the SAPS Community Service Centre (CSC)—commonly known as the charge office—the reporting process follows a standardized procedure:
- Statement Taking: A police officer will interview you and draft a sworn statement (affidavit) detailing what happened, when, where, and what was taken or damaged.
- Review and Sign: You will read through the statement (or have it read to you) to confirm all facts are correct before signing it under oath.
- Registration on CAS: The officer enters the details into the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS).
- Receipt of CAS Number: You will receive an official SAPS CAS number (e.g.,
CAS 123/08/2026). This number proves a formal criminal case has been registered.
Official source to verify
You can verify official reporting protocols and victim support services directly on the SAPS Report a Crime Portal
or review general contact channels via SAPS Talk
.
CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress
Your CAS (Crime Administration System) number is the single most important piece of information generated when you open a case. It is required by insurance companies for claims and is used by SAPS to track all investigation progress.
- Detective Assignment: Within 24 to 48 hours of registering the case, the docket is assigned to an Investigating Officer (detective) at the station where the crime took place.
- SMS Notification: SAPS automated systems typically send an SMS containing your SAPS CAS Number, the name of your assigned detective, and their direct contact details.
- Following Up: If you do not receive an SMS within two business days, call or visit the station where you filed the report. Ask to speak to the CSC Commander or Detective Commander with your CAS number ready.
For step-by-step guidance on communicating with your detective, read our guide on how to Contact Investigating Officer
.
Related Police Services and FAQs
Related police services
- How to Report a Crime in South Africa: An overview of reporting procedures, victim support rights, and legal obligations.
- can I open a case at any police station: Detailed legal rights regarding station refusal and station transfer protocols.
- SAPS station finder: Directory of station telephone numbers, physical addresses, and sector police contacts.
FAQs
How do I deal with which police station must I report a crime to if I am turned away?
Police officers are legally bound by SAPS Standing Orders to accept your complaint regardless of jurisdiction. If an officer refuses to assist you because the crime occurred elsewhere, ask to speak immediately to the Station Commander or the Duty Captain on shift. You can also report station service failures to the SAPS Service Complaints Centre.
Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?
Yes. Opening a criminal case docket and obtaining a CAS number at any SAPS police station is completely free of charge. You should never pay any fee to report a crime or receive a case number.
When should I call 10111 instead of visiting a police station?
You should call 10111 when a crime is actively taking place, when a suspect is still on the scene, or when there is an immediate threat to life or safety. Visit a police station in person when the immediate danger has passed and you need to give a detailed statement or open a docket for investigation.
What is a SAPS CAS number?
A CAS number (Crime Administration System number) is the unique reference number assigned to your registered case docket (e.g., CAS 45/05/2026). It serves as official proof of report, enables insurance claim processing, and allows you to track detective investigation updates.