The Garsfontein CPF is urging residents to take a proactive stance against crime by reporting every incident, no matter how small, directly to the police.
CPF chairperson Aris Ruyter said there is a rise in petty but persistent theft, with suspects targeting outdoor lights, taps, cables, and tools.
“While these crimes may seem small, failing to report them could allow offenders to escalate their activities.
“If it’s not reported to SAPS, it’s as if it never happened, there’s no case, no consequence, and repeat offenders simply move on to bigger crimes,” explained Ruyter.
He stressed that crime reports create formal dockets that enable investigations and possible arrests.
“Without this paper trail, crimes remain unrecorded and offenders are free to reoffend.”
Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said that no office has the right to refuse to open a case for victims or residents.
Van Dyk said that should a victim be turned away when trying to open a case, they should look out for a “Rate Our Service” poster on display at the Community Service Centre (CSC) at the police station. “If it is not available, you have the right to speak directly to the station commander about your complaint.
The commander’s official cellphone number should be displayed in the CSC,” Van Dyk explained. He said if you are still not satisfied, you can escalate the matter by contacting the District Office or the Provincial Office to lodge an official complaint.
While first-time or minor offences may result in lighter sentences, the severity of the punishment depends on factors such as the case specifics, the magistrate’s decision, and the offender’s age.
Residents are also encouraged to join their local CPF sector or WhatsApp group to share information and collaborate on safety initiatives. To do this, visit www.gfcpf.co.za and select your area of residence.
Community action steps:
– Report all crimes and suspicious activity directly to SAPS.
– Use the MySAPS App to submit reports quickly and easily.
– Encourage neighbours to do the same, as silence only empowers criminals.
The mechanics of reporting a case
– This service is provided to any victim of crime. Reporting a crime is free of charge, and all the necessary documentation will be completed by a police official.
– A case docket will be opened and the crime will be investigated, hopefully leading to the arrest of suspects, and presentation of the case to the courts for prosecution.
– When you have been a victim of a crime, you can contact the police by dialling 10111 if it is an emergency, or go to your nearest police station to report the crime.
If you report by telephone or on the MySAPS App
– If police officials attend the crime scene, they will obtain a statement from you and any available witnesses.
– The official will register the case in the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS) at the police station.
– The complainant will receive a CAS number via SMS or telephone.
– This number needs to be kept as a reference for future enquiries regarding the criminal case.
If you report the crime in person
– If you visit the local police station to report a crime, you will be attended to in the Community Service Centre by a police official.
– The police official will first interview you and then take a statement from you.
– The reported crime will be registered in the CAS.
– You will be given a CAS number that must be used for all enquiries regarding the reported criminal case.
Following up after reporting a crime
– The completed case docket is allocated to a police detective who will carry out the investigation.
– All enquiries can be directed to the detective.
– The detective in charge of the particular case will complete the investigation and present the docket to the relevant court for prosecution.
– The detective will keep you informed of any progress, including when to attend the court hearings.
“No report means no case, and no case means no accountability. Our strength lies in unity. Together, we can reclaim our neighbourhoods and make it clear that crime, no matter how small, will not be tolerated,” said Ruyter.
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