Crime reporting in South Africa: a key to justice and police action

Platform1 is regularly asked to conduct investigations into criminal incidents. Last month, one such case was an armed street robbery that occurred in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs. Using License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras in the area, we identified the vehicle that was used by the suspects in this robbery. The vehicle’s license plate number was loaded onto the database and two days later, the vehicle alerted on Platform1 connected cameras. As a result, the SAPS Flying Squad arrested the two suspects and their vehicle was seized.

It was determined that this same vehicle had been linked to two other street robberies that had occurred on the same day as the initial incident. In other words, three robberies took place but just one of these three incidents was reported to SAPS. The suspects could therefore only be charged with one case of armed robbery, instead of three. Many people mistakenly think that reporting crimes to their neighborhood watch or private security is enough, but it’s crucial to report directly to the SAPS. 

Platform1 assisted the SAPS detective on the one reported case by compiling a sworn statement that would serve to oppose any bail application. Platform1 followed the progress of this investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. During the court appearance, one suspect was remanded in custody, while the other was granted bail. The decision to grant bail can vary based on several factors. However, a stronger case against the suspect particularly one with multiple charges – can significantly reduce the likelihood of bail being granted. The more charges a suspect faces, the higher the chances of bail being denied.

While members of the public have every right to choose whether or not to open a case in such situations, they should understand that every report of a criminal incident made to the SAPS increases the likelihood of perpetrators being brought to justice, which can decrease the rates of crime in an area. Even when little information is known about the suspects, technology can often be used to identify the offenders. Even when a case cannot be presented to court, the information can be used to help law enforcement agencies prevent the next incident. 

Of equal importance is that all criminal cases are reported to the SAPS to ensure that there are accurate statistics about crime. This not only places pressure on authorities to take action, but more crucially, it informs resource allocation decisions within the SAPS and Metro Police departments – covering both manpower and technology. SAPS crime statistics guide the government in directing policing resources to the areas that need them most. Underreporting crime means that communities may not receive the full range of services they require.

Please report all criminal incidents to your local SAPS station. If a SAPS member fails to open a case you should always contact the following complaints channel and your complaint will be dealt with. 

SAPS Service Complaints Centre

(t) 0800 333 177

(c) 082 759 2590 (Whatsapp and Telegram)

(e) [email protected]

More information and the provincial contact numbers can be found at https://www.saps.gov.za/services/service_complaints_centre.php

The 3rd Quarter SAPS Crime stats can be accessed here, and the Victims of Crime Survey (VOCS 2023/24) can be accessed here.