Concerns over police officers refusing to open criminal cases have prompted renewed calls for members of the public to know and exercise their rights when reporting crimes at police stations.
According to SAPS National Instruction 3 of 2011, police officers are obligated to assist complainants in registering criminal cases and may not turn people away under any circumstances. The instruction comes amid increasing complaints from communities that some officers refuse to open cases, particularly those involving women and children.
Residents have reportedly been denied assistance for reasons such as not knowing the suspect’s name, not bringing the suspect to the station, or because the crime allegedly took place outside the station’s jurisdiction. In some instances, complainants have also been told that the matter is not serious enough or advised to resolve disputes privately.
The national instruction clearly states that a SAPS member receiving a complaint must interview the complainant to determine whether the matter meets the requirements of a criminal offence. It further states that complainants may never be referred to another police station, even if the incident occurred in another policing area.
Community Service Centres at police stations are required to ensure that all complainants are treated courteously, that full sworn statements are taken, and that all complaints receive immediate attention.
The instruction also places responsibility on Cluster and Station Commanders to ensure disciplinary action is taken against any officer who fails to comply with the directive.
Members of the public are encouraged to report officers who refuse to open cases through the SAPS National Complaints Centre on 0800 333 177 or 0860 264 487.
The notice serves as a reminder that every complainant has the right to have their case registered and properly investigated, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the complaint.
