Criminal Investigations by private investigators gather lawful evidence for victims, families, businesses and attorneys, alongside a SAPS case rather than instead of it. Send one request and independent investigators reply with availability and prices.
Describe the matter and get criminal investigation quotes.
Request a Private Investigation QuoteWhat It Involves
- Witness interviews. Finding and interviewing people who saw or know something.
- Evidence gathering. CCTV, documents, photos and records obtained lawfully.
- Tracing. Locating suspects, witnesses or property.
- Docket support. Handing organised evidence to the SAPS investigating officer.
Who It Helps
Victims of theft, fraud, assault or housebreaking who want more done on their case, businesses dealing with crime against them, and attorneys acting for complainants.
What to Send First
- What happened, where and when.
- Your SAPS case number and station, if reported.
- What outcome you want.
Do not upload screenshots, intimate images, passwords or documents through the request form. The investigator will tell you what to keep and how to hand it over.
How It Works
- Consultation. The investigator reviews the facts and the SAPS case.
- Plan. You agree on scope and budget.
- Investigation. Evidence is gathered and witnesses traced.
- Handover. Findings go to you, your attorney and the investigating officer.
Findings and Reporting
A report with statements, evidence and a summary of findings, prepared so it can be added to the SAPS docket.
Limits
Private investigators cannot arrest, search premises or seize property, and they do not replace SAPS or the NPA. They cannot access police, bank or phone records without legal authority. Prosecution decisions rest with the NPA, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Criminal Investigations Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quotation.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Initial case review | R1,500 - R5,000 |
| Investigator hourly rate | R500 - R2,000 per hour |
| Single-day operation | From R6,500 |
| Criminal investigation, per case | R5,000 - R50,000+ |
| Multi-province or complex matter | From R70,000 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Indicative ballpark figures in rand, rounded. They are compiled from prices published by South African investigation firms and typical market rates. They are not our prices or quotations, and no investigator is bound by them. Confirm VAT, travel and what each quotation includes.
Get prices for your matter rather than a range. Send one request, with no obligation.
Request a Private Investigation QuoteWhat Affects the Price
- Complexity. More suspects, witnesses and locations add time.
- Travel. Work outside the investigator's area adds travel costs.
- Surveillance. Days in the field cost more than desk work.
- Court support. Statements and testimony are extra.
Criminal Investigations FAQs
Can a private investigator take over my SAPS case?
No. They can gather evidence and pass it to the investigating officer, but SAPS keeps the case.
Do I still need to open a case?
Yes. A case number is needed for the evidence to be used in a prosecution.
Can a private investigator arrest someone?
No more than any citizen can. Arrests are a SAPS function.
Will the evidence be used in court?
That is for the prosecutor and the court to decide. Lawfully gathered evidence gives the best chance.
Related Services
Request criminal investigation quotes through Private Investigators South Africa and compare each investigator's approach and costs.
Private Investigators South Africa is a referral and quote service. We do not carry out investigations and we do not employ investigators. Work is quoted and carried out by independent investigators, and your agreement is with the one you choose. Ask for a written quotation and proof of PSIRA registration before you pay a deposit. No investigator can promise a particular result or that evidence will be accepted by a court.
Criminal Investigations. Describe what you need once and get the best quote, fast.
Request a Private Investigation QuoteGet the Best Quote, Fast
Keep it brief. Do not send ID documents, passwords, intimate images or evidence through this form. Your enquiry is passed only to investigators suited to the job, and you decide whether to go ahead.
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