01
FREE INITIAL SCREENING
Submit Your Case
Complete the structured SAFS intake and identify the information and documents currently available.
This establishes the starting point for the matter. The current form does not accept document uploads.
THE SAFS METHODOLOGY
How SAFS Works
From case submission to decision-ready case material.
SAFS follows a structured process designed to establish what information is available, what remains unresolved and what further steps may be required.
INDEPENDENT. • OBJECTIVE. • EVIDENCE-FIRST.
THE FOUR STAGES
A structured process, not an assumed outcome.
SAFS follows the evidence and the requirements of the matter. Each stage has a defined purpose and not every matter requires every stage.
02
INITIAL PAID REVIEW
CaseDesk™ Initial Review
SAFS conducts a paid structured review of the available documents, communications and evidence.
Initial evidence gaps and technical issues are identified. The R1,495 fee applies only if a review is offered and accepted.
03
WHERE REQUIRED
Evidence Mapping & Further Review
Where required, SAFS identifies missing records, unresolved technical questions, inspection requirements and evidence-preservation needs.
Further investigation is determined by the requirements of the matter and its separately agreed scope.
04
AGREED CASE OUTPUT
Decision-Ready Case File
Depending on the agreed scope, SAFS develops structured case documentation for resolution, professional review or further escalation.
The output reflects the evidence available and the work actually performed.
Not every case proceeds through every stage.
The appropriate scope depends on the information available, the technical complexity of the matter and what further evidence or professional input may be required.
STAGE 01 — INITIAL SCREENING
Start with what you know about the matter.
The initial submission is free. It helps SAFS determine whether your matter is within scope and whether a further review could be appropriate.
No documents are uploaded at this stage.
Tell us which records exist. If a paid review is subsequently offered, SAFS will arrange an appropriate way to collect the relevant evidence.
What to prepare for the form
- Your role and contact detailsAre you the vehicle owner, a business operator or a professional representative?
- Vehicle basicsMake, model and approximate model year.
- A factual summaryWhat happened, when it happened, and who is currently involved.
- Current vehicle statusWhether the vehicle is in use, in a workshop or off the road.
- Records you already holdJob cards, invoices, reports, correspondence, photographs or warranty records.
- Immediate deadlinesTell SAFS about any planned dismantling, repairs, inspections or other imminent actions.
Do not include identity-document numbers, banking information, VINs, or entire third-party case files in the free screening form.
STAGE 02 — THE PAID STARTING POINT
CaseDesk™ Initial Case Review
Before authorising significant diagnostic, repair or professional costs, obtain a structured independent review of the information already available.
FIXED-FEE DOCUMENT & EVIDENCE REVIEW
What's included
- Relevant document reviewReview of relevant job cards, invoices and communications.
- CPA-relevant documentation and compliance reviewReview of available documentation relevant to the matter and identified compliance questions.
- Evidence-gap identificationIdentification of missing documents, records and information that may be important.
- Preliminary technical issue mappingIdentification and organisation of the principal technical questions arising from the available material.
- Next-step roadmapA structured indication of what further information, investigation or professional input may be required.
Independent review. No predetermined outcome.
Payment for a CaseDesk™ Initial Case Review does not guarantee that SAFS will find evidence supporting your preferred outcome.
STAGES 03 & 04 — WHEN NECESSARY
Further work is determined by the evidence.
Some matters need no more than an initial structured document review. Others may require further evidence mapping, specialist input or a more developed case file. The level of SAFS involvement depends on the complexity of the matter.
Evidence organisation
Where relevant, SAFS may develop a master chronology, evidence register, technical issue matrix, missing-evidence register or decision trail.
Further technical requirements
Missing records, unresolved technical questions, evidence preservation, inspections, diagnostics or specialist testing may need to be addressed before a reliable conclusion is possible.
Structured case documentation
Depending on the work agreed and completed, SAFS may prepare case material for professional review, appropriate escalation or other next-step decisions.
INDEPENDENT. OBJECTIVE. EVIDENCE-FIRST.
The available evidence determines the next step.
SAFS does not exist to manufacture a position for the party paying the account. Our role is to examine, organise and document the available information objectively.
Evidence may support the client's position
The available material may substantiate relevant aspects of the client's account.
Evidence may contradict the client's position
An independent assessment must also recognise information that contradicts the client's preferred interpretation.
Further evidence may be required
The available material may be insufficient to reach a reliable conclusion.
SAFS provides
Automotive evidence review, technical case management, case reconstruction, evidence organisation and structured case documentation.
SAFS does not provide
Legal representation, legal advice, guaranteed outcomes, binding findings or vehicle repair services.
Where legal advice, engineering opinion, laboratory testing or another specialist service is required, the appropriate independent professional may need to be engaged.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Common questions about the SAFS process.
A case submission begins a screening process. It does not automatically begin a paid review or establish that SAFS has accepted the matter.
Is submitting an initial case enquiry free?
Yes. The initial Cognito submission is free. The paid CaseDesk™ Initial Case Review is a separate step, offered only when appropriate.
Do I need to upload my documents now?
No. The Stage 1 form records what documents you have. Relevant documents can be requested and collected separately after scope and suitability have been reviewed.
Does every submitted matter go through all four stages?
No. Some matters require only an initial structured review. Further work depends on the evidence, complexity and agreed scope.
Will SAFS determine liability or guarantee a dispute result?
No. SAFS examines and documents information independently. It does not provide binding findings, legal advice or guaranteed dispute outcomes.
How quickly will my matter be resolved?
No fixed resolution time or outcome is promised. The required work depends on the information available, the complexity of the matter and the involvement of other parties or professionals.
START WITH THE EVIDENCE
Establish what can actually be demonstrated.
When a vehicle matter becomes difficult to manage, begin with a structured submission of the facts you already know. SAFS will consider the information and advise if a further step is appropriate.
SUBMIT YOUR CASE TO SAFSFree initial screening. No automatic case acceptance or paid work.
INDEPENDENT. • OBJECTIVE. • EVIDENCE-FIRST.