27/03/2026
&paste(not sure if legit)
🚨 PUBLIC NOTICE FROM SAPD REGARDING OFFICERS REFUSING TO OPEN CASES 🚨
In light of increasing complaints that sometimes it is difficult to register cases at police stations, all citizens should be aware of the following National Instruction of the SAPD regarding the opening and registration of criminal cases.
Refusal by SAPD members to assist plaintiffs to open a criminal case is a violation of National Instruction 3 of 2011.
Know your rights as a complainer.
It is reported that officers at various police stations are refusing to open cases, especially in cases 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 take place within that police station's premises.
The officer does not believe the case is serious enough.
Complaints are told to sort out the case themselves with the suspect.
❗ THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
What does National Instruction 3 of 2011 say?
1. A SAPD member receiving a complaint must interrogate the complainant to determine whether the complaint meets the requirements of the particular crime.
2. Complaints should never be referred to another police station, even if the crime took place in another station's premises.
The Community Service Centre (CSC) must ensure that:
• Complainants or persons reporting crime are treated courteously.
• A full affidavit of the complainant is taken.
• Complaints are not sent to another station to report a case.
• All complaints get immediate attention.
Disciplinary action
Cluster and Station Commanders should ensure that any member not complying with National Instruction 3 of 2011 is subjected to disciplinary actions.
📢 Members of the public: Report this if a SAPD member refuses to open your case.
☎ SAPD National Complaint Center:
0800 333 177
0860 264 487
Know your rights. Don't walk away without your case being registered.
