The answer is a very definite yes! And, if you hire a private investigator that isn’t registered with the PSiRA, which is the governing body for the security industry, you’ll definitely be in the wrong place!
The laws that govern the police services are very strict, in addition to which they are severely undermanned and overwhelmed by too many cases to be able to operate the way they, as professionals, would like to.
This is where things are a little more lenient for private investigators, which, although they are also constrained by a strict code of ethics and legalities, are able to take more time to explore avenues that are open to them without having to get court orders etc.
The police services and private investigators work well together, in that when the police have reached the end of the line in their investigation, they’re able to rely on private investigators to gather evidence legally, which then allow the police to finally charge someone with a crime.
As a large investigative company in South Africa, the team at King Investigators are able to focus entirely on each case as it arrives across their desk, giving them the precious time that is a luxury for an overwhelmed police service.
This team of professionals not only assist with tracing missing people, they also cross the lines between criminal and civil investigations on behalf of private individuals, businesses and attorneys.
A top company such as King Investigators has a good working knowledge of the law, in order to present evidence that is delivered with honesty and integrity, ensuring that your case will be airtight.
A private investigator is not above the law, and he may not:
Carry out an arrest!
Their gathering of evidence is as far as it goes, and, they may not make an arrest as this falls under the jurisdiction of the police services, which will then take the evidence and finally have an opportunity to close a case.
Access private financial records
The only possible, legal way that a private investigator may gain access to financial records, especially in a divorce case where assets are being hidden by one or the other spouse, is to have permission from the individual the account belongs to!
Overstepping this line is courting danger due to the fact that this is an area that falls under the privacy act.
Tap a phone
Unless your private investigator has the express permission from the person under investigation to access their mobile phone, emails or text messages. If you hire an investigator that promises you these things, you will find yourself on the wrong side of the law when the evidence is thrown out of court.
Access financial records
If a private investigator gets permission from a court to access the financial records and bank accounts, the evidence will be considered legal, however, doing so without the permission of either the court or a co-signee on the financial records, will render any evidence found null and void in court.
Conduct undercover surveillance anywhere, without limitations
A private investigator can only carry out undercover surveillance in public places such as shopping malls, parks, night clubs and bars, casinos and restaurants. Anywhere private is viewed as strictly off-limits, which means your PI can’t invade privacy, misrepresent himself or trespass.
For instance, if he is gathering evidence of cheating, by law he cannot enter the property where the subject under investigation may be in order to get the lurid photos and videos that are often portrayed in movies!
Contact King Investigators
Whether you’re trying to locate a long lost relative, find someone that’s skipped out of a civil court case, find evidence of drug dealing or gambling on the part of your spouse, choose the best private investigators in South Africa to answer all your questions in a confidential chat, either via phone, online chat or online form.