04/06/2026
📢📢 Information sharing 📢📢
SAPS NOTICE REGARDING OFFICERS WHO REFUSE TO OPEN CASES
In light of increasing complaints that it is sometimes difficult to register cases at police stations, all citizens should be aware of the following SAPS National Instruction regarding the opening and registration of criminal cases.
Refusal by SAPS members to assist complainants in opening a criminal case is a violation of National Instruction 3 of 2011.
Know your rights as a complainant.
It has been reported that officers at various police stations are refusing to open cases, especially in matters involving women and children, for reasons such as:
The complainant cannot identify the suspect by name.
The complainant did not bring the suspect to the police station.
The crime did not occur within that police station’s jurisdiction.
The officer believes the case is not serious enough.
Complainants are told to resolve the matter themselves with the suspect.
❗ THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
What does National Instruction 3 of 2011 state?
1. A SAPS member who receives a complaint must interview the complainant to determine whether the complaint meets the requirements of the specific offence.
2. Complainants may never be referred to another police station, even if the crime occurred in another station’s area.
The Community Service Centre (CSC) must ensure that:
Complainants or persons reporting crimes are treated courteously.
A full sworn statement is taken from the complainant.
Complainants are not sent to another station to report a case.
All complaints receive immediate attention.
Disciplinary action
Cluster and Station Commanders must ensure that any member who does not comply with National Instruction 3 of 2011 is subjected to disciplinary action.
📢 Members of the public: Report it if a SAPS member refuses to open your case.
☎️ SAPS National Complaints Centre:
0800 333 177
0860 264 487
Know your rights. Do not walk away without your case being registered.