General Incident Guidelines
Wildlife and General crime scenes
Ensure that the scene is safe.
Contact your local SAPS, CPF and Security Provider immediately.
Secure the scene and keep people away until professionals arrive.
Document the scene through taking photos and videos from a distance.
Don’t touch or move anything at the scene. Stay out and keep others away from the scene.
Do not touch any evidence with bare hands.
Do not clean, rearrange or change anything.
If there is any foot or vehicle track prints, do not walk over them or disturb the ground in any way.
Suspicious people, vehicles, or activities Do’s and Don’ts (Suspicious Persons)
Always look for the following:
Time and place where person is seen and their actions.
Race of person.
Gender of person.
Number of persons.
Approximate height and body type. (Small, medium, large, tall, short)
Clothing worn by suspect (colour, cut, specific markings/branding)
Shoes (Type and colour e.g tekkies, sandals, boots)
Caps, Hats, balaclava.
Backpacks or bags carried by suspect.
What person is carrying in their hands.
Where possible make a voice recording on your cellphone from a safe distance that contains the above information. If safe take pictures and videos.
Contact your local SAPS, CPF and your Security Provider immediately.
Suspicious Vehicle Do’s and Don’ts
Always look for the following:
Time, where and direction of where suspicious vehicle is stationary or travelling.
Colour and type of vehicle, (bakkie, sedan, SUV)
If possible, the make of the vehicle.
Any unique markings on the vehicle (damage or stickers)
Where possible number plate or partial number plate.
How many occupants in the vehicle. (Where possible descriptions of occupants)
Where possible make a voice recording on your cellphone from a safe distance that contains the above information. If safe take pictures and videos.
Contact your local SAPS, CPF and your Security Provider immediately.
Do not get involved in confrontation with suspects and/or try and stop them/vehicle if you are alone or if you are fully trained to handle tactical situations and are familiar with legal implications.
Don’t assume that the situation is not serious.
Don’t misinform first responders (Avoid saying “I think he has a gun”. Convey only what you can see)
Suspicious Activities
Document where, when, and what activity you observe.
Where possible take pictures and/or videos of suspicious activity.
Report activities to your local SAPS, CPF and security provider immediately.
Don’t ignore your gut feel. There is a reason for your uneasy feeling.
Do not self-investigate, contact your local SAPS, CPF and Security Provider.
Contact crimes Do’s and Don’ts (Home Invasion, Farm attacks, Hijacking, Active Shooting)
Make sure that there is always more than one family member trained in first aid and that there is a proper first aid kit available in your house and cars.
Always try to stay calm and asses the situation.
Try to keep children and babies calm, quiet and safe.
If there is babies or children in the vehicle, remove them calmly while you are telling the hijackers that you just want your children, they can have everything else.
Do what the perpetrators tell you to do.
If possible, how many suspects and a possible description of them. (This is not also easy as this is an extremely stressful situation)
When you are asked to open safes, hand over possessions or hand over your vehicle, comply. Chances are that you are already in compromised situation.
Should you find yourself in a situation where there is active shooting, go down on the ground and take cover behind any object/structure.
Should suspects no longer be visible or no more gunshots can be heard, do not assume that the suspects have left the area or your house.
Ensure that your yard and your house surroundings is properly lit up at night.
Install early warning systems, cameras, beams and alarms.
Fit burglar guards and security gates on the inside of the house. This will force them to break the door/windows which will alert you.
Avoid areas where cash vans are picking up or dropping off money.
When you are absolutely sure that the suspects have left the area, try and draw attention from neighbors or public to assist you to contact your local SAPS, CPF, Ambulance, and your Security Provider.
Avoid confrontation, arguments, or resistance if you are not absolutely 100% sure that you are in a position to ensure a safe outcome for yourself and your family. Don’t try and be a hero.
Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t create an atmosphere where the suspects feel threatened.
Don’t think that the suspects which you can see are the only ones there.
Don’t run after your vehicle, suspects.
Don’t drive with your vehicle in high-risk areas.
During active shooting do not let your curiosity kill you.