19/05/2026
HOW TO OPEN A CRIMINAL CASE WITH SAPS – 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:
o Photos / videos
o Tracking data
o Messages / call logs
o 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:
o Full name
o 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.
