As more departments start utilising the Informant Reward system originally established by the Safety and Security Directorate nearly a decade ago, a dedicated number has now been set up to ensure that these tips for reward are channelled correctly.
The City’s Safety and Security Directorate formulated the Informant Reward Policy in 2013.
The concept is that a reward is payable to any person who provides information that leads to an arrest or the successful confiscation or recovery of stolen goods or contraband.
Initially, the reward payable was R1 000, but it has since been increased up to R5 000.
‘The Informant Reward System was introduced to assist the City’s enforcement services to good effect. In recent years, more and more City departments have started feeling the brunt of theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure, and have started using the reward system. It is for this reason that we have decided to establish a dedicated number for these tips for reward to streamline the process of following up on tips,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Residents can report crime and by-law offences anonymously, 24-hours a day, on 0800 110077.
All information is welcomed, but a reward can only be paid if the City’s policing resources achieve an operational result that directly relates to information received, like (an) arrest/s, confiscation of contraband or illegal firearms, recovery of stolen goods, rescue of a kidnapped victim, etc.
‘Tips received by the dedicated tip-off line are relayed to the relevant City agency. Once they have made an arrest/confiscation, etc. they will submit the application for consideration by the Rewards for Information Committee. We do have to caution the public that it could take several weeks or months after the arrest or confiscation is made for the reward to be paid out, once all relevant administrative processes have been completed,’ added Alderman Smith.
The system is NOT open to people under the age of 18 or City of Cape Town employees.