The Roodepoort Record has received numerous complaints from residents who say they are being turned away at police stations when trying to open cases.

According to Florida CPF chairperson Farhaad Sardiwalla, it has become a concerning tendency that the CPF is addressing with the local police station.

“Police urge residents to report any crime, but cases where people are being turned away, often due to small procedural problems, are creating the perception among them that police are not interested in helping.”

According to Sardiwalla, every victim of crime has the right to report the crime and get a case number.

“Jurisdiction is not a valid reason for turning anyone away. You have the right to open a case at any police station, regardless of where the crime was committed.

“Reporting a crime is free of charge and must always be taken seriously by the police officer on duty.”

He adds that there is no waiting period for a missing person to be reported and that a case must be opened immediately.

Sardiwalla stresses that police may not take a statement from a person who is under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance.

How to report a crime

According to Sardiwalla, crime can be reported in person at the police station or by calling 10111 and getting a reference number.

“If police officers attend a scene, you can also give your statement there. You will receive a CAS number via SMS, and a detective will be assigned to investigate your case.”

He adds that residents who feel they are not getting satisfactory service may ask for the relief commander on duty.

“There is always a relief commander on duty,” he says. “If they are still not happy, they may ask for the station commander Colonel Frans Marweshe, or contact him on 071 675 6557, or they can contact me directly on 084 963 1786.”