House break-ins in South Africa have increased, with about 1.4 million homes broken into over the last year according to StatsSA. With so many homes and people affected, it’s important to know what to do if you fall victim to this crime. Here’s a quick 3-step guide on reporting a break in.
1. Contact the police
You can report a crime by telephone on 08600 10111 or on 10111 for emergencies, in person at the police station or to members of the police patrolling in your community. You should also know that a crime can be reported at any police station, it does not have to be the police station in your area. The police official will open a docket and transfer it to the police station that handles cases in the area where the offence was committed.
You can find your nearest police station here on the SAPS website.
2. Make a statement
You will be interviewed by a police official who will determine the crime(s) committed, and then he/she will take a statement from you. You can make your statement in any language, and if no one at the station speaks or understands your language, an interpreter will be appointed to translate your statement. Your statement is made under oath, which means you have made a legally-binding promise to tell the truth.
You will need to give:
- your ID number
- your age
- your full residential address
- your postal address
- your contact details
- full description of the crime scene (address, day, time and date of the incident)
- full details of the nature of the incident
- description of the person who committed the crime
- full description of property (in case of theft, robbery etc), injuries (assault etc)
- full particulars of possible witnesses
You’ll be asked to sign the statement after making it to confirm you understand and agree with everything written down.
3. Your case is registered and investigated
Your case will be registered on the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS), and you will be given a reference number (CAS number). Make sure you write this number down and keep it somewhere safe. The docket will be allocated to an investigating officer, who will handle your case. Contact the investigating officer and have your case number at hand if you want to follow up on the progress of your case.
You have the right to know who is handling your case, as well as to receive continual feedback and updates on its progress.
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* This is only basic legal advice and cannot be relied on solely. The information is correct at the time of being sent to publishing.