The public should be aware of a new scam where criminals impersonate police officers. They send a picture of a police ID and badge and claim that someone has opened a case against a family member for sexual assault.

These criminals then claim that the victim wants R2 000 in cash to not press charges.
Remember, the SAPS would not, and should not, be involved in convincing you to pay money to avoid charges.

No police station will call you if someone has laid charges of this nature. A detective will contact you to investigate the case.

The SAPS does not negotiate in criminal cases; they arrest and investigate.
You are allowed to ask who the investigating officer is, what the case number is, and at which station the case was opened.

You can then call the relevant police station and enquire about the alleged case.