IN an effort to assist the community with opening cases, Amanzimtoti Police Station has provided the procedure and requirements when reporting crime.
The station’s communications officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy, said processes may vary slightly depending on the type of case being reported.
Also read: Car stolen at Doon Heights home
“With cases such as reporting a missing person, a traffic accident or a domestic violence incident, be sure to ask the police officers for guidance on the next steps after the case has been opened. It is crucial to report crimes and incidents promptly to assist police in investigating and taking appropriate action,” she said.
Van der Spuy added that Section 9 of the Justice of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act 16 of 1963 provides that any person who makes a false statement, knowing it to be false, and who is competent to administer an oath, affirmation or take the declaration in question, commits an offence under the law for perjury.
The eight general steps when reporting a crime:
1. Contact your nearest police station: Visit the nearest police station or contact them by phone to report a crime. Amanzimtoti Police Station can be reached on 031 913 1308/10.
2. Provide the necessary information when making a telephonic report: When contacting the police station, be prepared to provide details about the incident. This may include the date, time, and location of the incident, a description of what happened, and any other relevant information. Ensure the person providing the information is of sober mind. If the complainant/victim is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must provide the information on their behalf.
3. Make a personal visit to the police station to formally report the crime: You do not need your South African ID in order to open a criminal case, but you must know your ID number.
4. Relevant information needed to formally open a case: In most cases, you will need to visit the police station in person to formally open a case. Bring any relevant evidence or documentation, such as photographs, witness information, a description of the person or any other documents or information relevant to the incident that could assist with the case.
5. Procedure at the police station: Once it has been detected that a case must be opened, you will be directed to speak with a police officer who will take your statement and record the details of the incident. They will create a docket, which is an official record of the case. Read the statement to ensure the accuracy of the events, and sign your statement.
6. Procedure when the police respond to your call-out: Phone 10111 or 112 from your cellphone to get hold of the SAPS call centre. Provide your details to the operator, and you will receive a reference number for your call. The police vehicle servicing the specific area where the complaint emanates from will be dispatched to respond to your complaint.
7. Obtain a case number: After providing your statement to the police, you will be notified of the case number and updates via SMS.
8. Follow up: Once you receive the case number, keep it and the contact information of the police station for any follow-up or enquiries.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047.
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom at 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
