top of page
griffin jd.jpg

PROJECT: THE IMPORTANCE OF OPENING A POLICE CASE (PART 1)

PLEASE SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT

 

As we usher in 2025, addressing the persistent challenges of crime in South Africa is paramount.

Recent crime statistics reveal a daunting reality: between July and September 2024, the nation recorded 6,545 murders -

an average of 71 lives lost daily. During this same period, there were 7,061 attempted murders and 42,721 incidents of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. While these figures remain alarming, the second quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year showed a slight improvement, with a 5.1% decrease in serious crimes compared to the previous quarter.

Murder rates declined by 5.8%, sexual offences by 2.5%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances by 8.8%.

 

Despite this progress, gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be a harrowing reality, deeply rooted in

societal challenges such as inequality, poverty, and harmful cultural norms. During the same period,

over 13,000 rapes and 5,208 incidents of sexual assault were reported, with many of these crimes

taking place in the victim’s home or that of an acquaintance. These numbers serve as a stark reminder

that the fight against GBV demands unwavering commitment and a multi-faceted approach.


Specialised Security Services (SSS) remains at the forefront of efforts to combat crime in all its forms, focusing on extreme violent, economic, and cybercrime. SSS brings expert-led solutions to dismantle criminal networks, ensure justice for victims, and enhance security at every level. With GBV, SSS plays a critical role in supporting survivors, conducting thorough investigations, and working with law enforcement to ensure perpetrators are held accountable. Beyond reactive measures,

SSS advocates for proactive initiatives, including self-defence training for women, school educational programs,

and community-driven efforts to reshape societal attitudes toward gender equality and respect.


As we enter a new year, SSS urges all South Africans to remain vigilant and proactive in crime prevention.

Securing properties, being aware of one’s surroundings, and promptly reporting suspicious activities can significantly reduce crime risks. Families are encouraged to discuss safety measures and work together to foster a culture of mutual vigilance and accountability. Together, through the concerted efforts of law enforcement, private security services like SSS, and an engaged public, South Africa can take meaningful steps toward a safer, more equitable society. The road ahead requires commitment, collaboration, and a steadfast belief that change is possible.

 

In 2025, let us stand united in our resolve to prevent crime and ensure that every South African can live free from fear.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF OPENING A POLICE CASE:

Opening a criminal case is not just a personal responsibility but a step toward ensuring a safer society for everyone. It holds offenders accountable, supports victims, and enables the criminal justice system to function effectively. Taking action contributes to a culture of accountability and helps protect others from similar harm.


JUSTICE:

  • Opening a case initiates the legal process to hold perpetrators accountable.

  • Without a formal report, the justice system cannot act.

  • Filing a case ensures that:

    • The crime is investigated.

    • The perpetrator can be arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced.

    • The victim has an opportunity to seek justice and closure.

PROTECTING OTHERS:

  • Reporting a crime contributes to the safety of others by:

    • Helping law enforcement identify repeat offenders or criminal patterns.

    • Preventing future crimes by bringing perpetrators to justice.

    • Deterring others from committing similar offences due to the fear of being caught.

ESTABLISHING AN OFFICIAL RECORD:

  • Filing a case creates an official record of the incident, which is crucial for:

    • Insurance claims (for theft, damage, or loss).

    • Legal proceedings, such as protection orders or civil claims.

    • Employment disputes or professional repercussions if the crime involves workplace misconduct.

ACCESSING SUPPORT SERVICES:

  • Many victim support services require proof that a case has been opened. These services include:

    • Counselling and psychological support for trauma.

    • Financial compensation or insurance payouts.

    • Legal aid and advocacy services.

CRIME STATISTICS ABD PREVENTION:

  • When cases are reported, they contribute to national crime statistics. Accurate data is vital for:

    • Allocating police resources to high-crime areas.

    • Developing targeted crime prevention strategies.

    • Advocating for community safety initiatives and legislative changes.

UPHOLDING THE RULE OF LAW:

  • By reporting crimes, citizens demonstrate their commitment to the rule of law. This:

    • Reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law.

    • Sends a message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.

    • Encourages others to come forward and report crimes.

EMPOWERING VICTIMS:

  • Opening a case empowers victims by giving them a voice and an avenue to stand against wrongdoing.

  • It helps them reclaim a sense of control over their situation and contributes to their healing process.

 

When individuals choose not to open a criminal case after experiencing or witnessing a crime, the repercussions can extend far beyond their personal situation, affecting the broader community and undermining societal efforts to maintain law and order.

 

One significant consequence of failing to report a crime is allowing perpetrators to continue their actions unchecked.

Criminals not held accountable may feel emboldened to repeat their behaviour, potentially escalating to more severe offences. Without the intervention of law enforcement, they remain free to harm others, perpetuating cycles of violence,

theft, fraud, or abuse. By not reporting the crime, victims inadvertently contribute to the conditions

that allow offenders to evade justice and pose ongoing threats to society.

 

Another critical impact is the missed opportunity for victims to recover stolen property or seek justice.

Reporting a crime is the first step in initiating an investigation, leading to the retrieval of stolen goods,

restitution for financial losses, or accountability for harm caused. Without opening a case,

victims forfeit their chance to reclaim what was taken from them or to have their voices heard in a court of law.

This lack of closure can leave victims feeling powerless, frustrated, and burdened by the lingering effects of the crime.

 

The underreporting of crime also carries broader implications for community safety and resource allocation.

Law enforcement agencies rely on accurate crime data to identify trends, allocate resources, and implement effective prevention strategies. When crimes go unreported, the true extent of criminal activity remains hidden, leading to underestimating the problem. This can result in fewer police patrols, inadequate funding for community safety programs, and a misinformed perception of security in certain areas. Ultimately, this undermines the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts

and compromises public safety. Furthermore, failing to report a crime sends an unintended message

that such behaviour is tolerated or not severe enough to warrant intervention.

 

This can erode the collective sense of accountability and embolden the original perpetrator and others

who might be tempted to commit similar offences. Over time, normalising unaddressed crimes

can weaken trust in the justice system and diminish public confidence in law enforcement.

 

The decision not to open a criminal case has consequences that ripple far beyond the immediate incident.

It enables offenders to act with impunity, denies victims the opportunity for justice,

skews crime statistics, and jeopardises community safety.


By reporting crimes, individuals contribute to a culture of accountability and

support efforts to create a safer, more just society.

 

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.


  • How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

    1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

    2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

    - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

    3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

    4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

 
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
 

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -


EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.


STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.


POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv

 
SSS TASK TEAM:
 
 

Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:

Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services

PO Box 15075 Lynn East

Pretoria, Gauteng 0039

South Africa

Add us to your address book


THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.

1,633 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page