How to Report a Crime to SAPS: Every Channel That Works

Knowing how to report a crime properly matters more than people think. A good report — made through the right channel, with the right details — becomes a case with a case number, and that case number is what insurance companies, employers, and follow-up officers will ask for. Here's every way to report, and when to use each one.

If it's happening now: call 10111

This is the national police emergency number. Crime in progress, someone in danger, a break-in happening as you read this — call 10111. It works from any phone in South Africa, mobile or landline, with or without airtime.

When you call, the operator will ask where you are and what's happening. Give your location first — street address, landmark, anything that helps them find you — then describe what's going on. Stay on the line if you safely can.

Don't use 10111 for general questions or non-urgent matters. Every minute an operator spends on a non-emergency is a minute they're not available for someone in real danger.

At the police station: opening a case in person

For crimes that already happened — a burglary discovered in the morning, a stolen car, fraud, assault — go to any police station's Community Service Centre (the front desk) and ask to open a case.

Here's what to bring and do:

Your ID. You'll need to identify yourself to make a statement.
Details of what happened. When, where, what was taken or damaged. The more specific, the better: "between 8pm and 6am" beats "last night."
Serial numbers and descriptions of stolen items — phone IMEI numbers, laptop serials, car registration. If you have photos or receipts, bring them.
Get your case number. This is the single most important thing you walk out with. It's usually called a CAS number. Write it down, photograph it, save it in your phone. You'll need it for insurance claims and every follow-up.

You don't have to report at the station nearest to where the crime happened. Any station will take your statement and register the case. If the closest station to the scene feels unsafe to reach at night, go to the one you can get to safely.

Anonymous tip-offs: Crime Stop on 08600 10111

Maybe you know something about a crime but don't want your name on it. That's what Crime Stop (08600 10111) is for. You can report what you know without identifying yourself.

This channel is genuinely used — tip-offs about drug dealing, stolen goods, wanted persons, all of it. If fear of being named is the only thing stopping you from reporting, Crime Stop removes that barrier.

The MySAPS app

SAPS's official app lets you submit tip-offs and find stations from your phone. It's free, and it's useful if you'd rather not call or visit in person for a tip-off. Only download it from the official store listings — fake SAPS apps exist. The verified links are on our download page.

What to say (and what not to say)

Whether you're calling or standing at the front desk, the same basics apply:

Stick to facts. What happened, when, where, who was involved. Leave out theories about why it happened.
Don't exaggerate. It doesn't help your case and it can hurt it.
Mention evidence. CCTV, witnesses, photos, messages — tell the officer what exists, even if you can't hand it over right then.
Ask for the investigating officer's details if your case is assigned to one. A name and contact number makes follow-ups far easier.

Following up on your case

Cases don't always move fast, and that's frustrating. Your case number is your key: quote it every time you call or visit. Ask which officer is handling it. If weeks pass with no word, go back to the station and ask for an update — politely, but firmly. You're entitled to know what's happening with your case.

Keep every document: the case number, any statements you signed, insurance correspondence. Put it all in one folder (physical or digital) so nothing goes missing.

One more thing

Reporting matters even when it feels pointless. Crime statistics — which decide where patrols go and how stations are resourced — come from reported cases. An unreported burglary is invisible to the system. Report it, get your case number, and you've done your part.

For related help, see how to get a police clearance certificate, finding your nearest SAPS station, or start from the homepage for the full citizen-services overview.