How to Open a Criminal Case With SAPS – A Step-By-Step Guide

(Know the process. Protect your rights. Get results.)

Step 1: Prepare Before Going to the Police Station

Do not walk in unprepared — this is where most people lose control of the process.

Before you go, make sure you have:

• A clear timeline of events (date, time, location)

• A short, factual description of what happened

• Any evidence:

  • Photos / videos

  • Tracking data

  • Messages / call logs

  • Witness details, etc.

The clearer your information, the harder it is for anyone to dismiss your case.

Step 2: Go to Any Police Station

You may go to any police station, regardless of where the incident happened.

• You do NOT need to know the suspect

• You do NOT need to bring the suspect with you

• You cannot be turned away to another station

The case can be transferred later, but it must be opened first.

Step 3: Clearly State Your Intention

When speaking to the officer at the Community Service Centre (CSC), say:

“I am here to report a criminal offence and open a case.”

Stay calm, direct, and factual.

Step 4: Provide Your Statement (Affidavit)

You must:

• Give a full statement of what happened

• Answer questions honestly and clearly

The officer must:

• Take your statement

• Treat you respectfully

• Capture all relevant details

This statement becomes the foundation of your case — accuracy matters.

Step 5: Receive a CAS Number

Once your case is registered, you must receive a:

CAS Number (Case Number) — generally via SMS.

This is proof your case is officially opened.

Do NOT leave without any form of proof that you reported the case — even an OB number.

Step 6: If an Officer Refuses to Open Your Case

This is where you must stand firm and structured.

Say the following:

“In terms of SAPS National Instruction 3 of 2011, I request that my complaint be registered and a CAS number be issued.”

If refusal continues:

1. Ask for the officer’s:

   • Full name

   • Rank

2. State clearly:

   “I will escalate this to the Station Commander and SAPS Complaint Centre.”

3. Report immediately:

   SAPS Complaint Centre

   0800 333 177

   0860 264 487

Step 7: Understand What Police Can (and Cannot) Do

Police must open a case if a criminal offence is reported.

However:

• Not all disputes are criminal (some are civil matters)

• The police may ask questions to determine this

Be factual and specific — avoid emotional or vague explanations.

Step 8: Follow Up

After opening your case:

• Keep your CAS number safe

• Request the investigating officer’s details

• Follow up regularly

Cases that are followed up move. Cases that are ignored stall.

Important Principles to Remember

• You have the right to open a case

• You must be treated with respect

• You cannot be sent away without assistance

• You must receive a CAS number

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Arriving unprepared

• Being aggressive or emotional

• Accepting refusal without escalation

• Leaving without a CAS number

Final Word

Rights alone are not enough — how you act determines the outcome.

Be:

• Prepared

• Calm

• Firm

• Informed

That is how cases get opened and taken seriously.

Share this. Someone out there is being turned away — and shouldn’t be.