What happens after you report a crime

Once you have opened a case, it can feel as if nothing is happening. Weeks may pass without a phone call. That is often normal, but it doesn't mean you have to sit and wait. You have the right to know what is happening with your case, and you can play an active part in it.

This guide explains the main stages of a criminal case and what you can do at each one.

The investigation

After you report, your case is given to an investigating officer, usually a detective. The case file is called a docket. The investigating officer's job is to gather enough evidence for a prosecutor to decide whether to take the case to court.

During the investigation, the police may:

• take more statements from you and from witnesses;
• collect evidence such as camera footage, medical reports, phone records or forensic samples;
• ask you to point out where things happened, or to help identify a suspect;
• find and arrest a suspect, if there is enough reason to do so.

There is no fixed timeline. Some cases move quickly. Others take months or longer, especially when forensic tests are needed or a suspect cannot be found.

Staying in touch with your case

You don't have to wait for the police to call you. These steps help you stay informed and keep your case moving.

1. Keep your CAS number close. You will need it every time you ask about your case.
2. Contact the investigating officer. Ask politely for an update every so often. Write down the date of each call or visit and what you were told.
3. Pass on new information. If you remember something new, find more evidence, or hear from a witness, tell the investigating officer. You can add a further statement.
4. Report any threats straight away. If the suspect or anyone else contacts you, threatens you or pressures you to drop the case, tell the police at once. Intimidating a witness is a crime.
5. Keep your contact details up to date. If you move or change your number, let the investigating officer know so they can reach you.

If you can't reach the investigating officer, or nothing seems to be happening, ask to speak to their commander at the station. Read If the police won't help you for more steps.

If a suspect is arrested

A person who is arrested must be brought before a court soon after the arrest. At that first appearance, or at a later bail hearing, the court decides whether the accused can be released on bail until the trial.

If you are afraid of the accused, tell the investigating officer and the prosecutor before the bail hearing. Explain why, for example past threats or that the accused knows where you live. The court can take this into account and can set conditions, such as not contacting you. If the accused breaks a bail condition, report it to the police right away. Read Bail explained for more.

When the prosecutor decides

When the investigation is done, the docket goes to a prosecutor. The prosecutor decides whether there is enough evidence to take the case to trial. They may:

• put the case on the court roll for trial;
• send the docket back to the police for more investigation;
• decide not to prosecute, usually because there isn't enough evidence.

If the case is withdrawn or the prosecutor decides not to go ahead, you can ask for the reasons. A withdrawn case is not always the end. In some cases, it can be brought back if new evidence comes to light.

Going to court

If the case goes to trial, you will probably be asked to testify as a witness. You will receive a subpoena, an official notice telling you when and where to be.

• The prosecutor presents the case for the state. They are not your personal lawyer, but they should explain the process and prepare you before you testify. Ask to meet them beforehand.
• Postponements are common. It can be frustrating, but it doesn't mean the case has failed.
• You can bring someone you trust to court for support.
• If you are afraid of facing the accused, tell the prosecutor. In some cases, the court can make arrangements to protect witnesses.
• Tell the truth, and say so if you don't know or don't remember something.

If the accused is found guilty, the court will decide on a sentence. You may be able to tell the court how the crime affected you before it decides. In some cases, the court can also order the offender to pay for loss or damage you suffered. Read Supporting someone through a court case if a friend or family member is helping you through this.

Your rights along the way

The Service Charter for Victims of Crime in South Africa sets out what you can expect from the police, prosecutors and courts. It includes your right:

• to be treated with fairness and with respect for your dignity and privacy;
• to offer information about the crime and about how it has affected you;
• to receive information about your case and its progress;
• to protection if you are threatened or intimidated;
• to assistance, such as help finding support services;
• to compensation and restitution for loss or damage, where this applies.

These rights apply to every victim of crime, whether you are a man or a woman. Read Your rights as a victim of crime for more.

Getting support

Waiting on a case and going to court can be stressful. Support is available.

• In an emergency: SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a cell phone.
• GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428, for all genders, 24 hours a day.
• Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322, 24 hours a day.
• SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567, 24 hours a day.
• Legal Aid South Africa Advice Line: 0800 110 110, for legal questions.

You can also record what happened through an anonymous report at /report and check its status at /track with your tracking code. To ask for help, contact our support team at /contact?topic=support. More helplines are listed at /resources.