How to Use the MySAPS App: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

The MySAPS App is a free mobile application created by the South African Police Service (SAPS) that allows South African citizens to submit anonymous crime tip-offs, locate nearby police stations, view wanted or missing persons, check local crime statistics, and report poor police service. It is available on Android via Google Play, iOS via the Apple App Store, and on basic feature phones by dialing *134*10111#.

What is the MySAPS App?

Launched by the South African Police Service, the MySAPS application creates a direct bridge between citizens and law enforcement. By empowering the public to report suspicious activities, illegal firearms, drug trafficking, or corruption directly from their mobile devices, the app plays a crucial role in community safety across South Africa.

Whether you prefer to remain completely anonymous or communicate directly with Crime Stop call center agents, the app keeps your reporting secure and confidential.

Core Features of the MySAPS App

• Anonymous Crime Tip-Offs: Send detailed crime reports, photos, video clips, or audio recordings directly to the Crime Stop Call Centre.
• SAPS Station & Facilities Finder: Uses GPS to direct you to the nearest police station, providing contact details, street addresses, and station command information.
• People of Interest Database: Search official directories for missing persons, wanted suspects, and unidentified individuals.
• Vulnerability Services: Access support resources for Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) investigations.
• Official Crime Statistics: View recorded crime trends and statistics across various categories in your area.
• Push Safety Notifications: Receive alerts regarding community safety, protest actions, and major local emergency events.
• Service Complaints: File official complaints regarding poor police response or misconduct.

How to Set Up the MySAPS App

Setting up the app takes less than two minutes. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started:

1.Download and Install the App:Available on smartphones and feature phones.

Search for MySAPS on the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS) and tap Install. If you do not have a smartphone, dial *134*10111# from any feature phone to access the USSD menu.

2.Configure Profile Preferences:Optional setup step.

Launch the app. You will be prompted to enter your name, surname, cell number, and email. You can skip this step if you prefer to keep your account unregistered for complete privacy.

3.Grant App Permissions:Required for full feature access.

Allow permissions when prompted by your device:

• Location Services: Enables the app to find your nearest police station.
• Camera & Gallery Access: Allows attaching photo or video evidence to tip-offs.
• Microphone: Required if you choose to attach a recorded voice message.
• Notifications: Delivers urgent safety alerts and tip-off updates.

4.Accept Terms & Conditions:

Review and accept the user agreement to unlock the main application dashboard.

How to Submit a Crime Tip-Off

Submitting a tip-off is fast, secure, and flexible.

1.Tap ‘Submit Tip-Off’:

On the home dashboard, tap the Submit Tip-Off icon.

2.Select Category and Detail the Incident:

Choose the category of crime (e.g., drug offenses, illegal firearms, cable theft, wanted person) and provide specific details such as date, time, physical location, and suspect descriptions.

3.Attach Evidence:Optional upload.

Upload a photo or video clip from your gallery, or record an audio message to assist Crime Stop investigators.

4.Choose Communication Preference:

Select Anonymous or Communicate:

• Anonymous: No personal info or contact details are linked to the report.
• Communicate: Allows Crime Stop agents to message you via the app for clarification. Your details remain confidential.

5.Save Your Reference Number:

Submit the tip-off and write down the unique reference code (e.g., REF00XXX/2024). You will need this number to check status updates or supply additional details later.

How to Find Your Nearest Police Station

1. Open the MySAPS app and ensure Location (GPS) is enabled on your phone.
2. Tap Station and Facilities Finder.
3. Stations will be listed automatically in order of proximity, showing distance in kilometers.
4. Tap on any station to view its phone numbers, address, and operating details, or tap the Map Icon in the top-right corner to view directions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the MySAPS app free to use?

Yes, the app is completely free to download on iOS and Android. However, submitting a tip-off or browsing features requires mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection. The feature-phone USSD code (*134*10111#) operates per standard network USSD rates.

2. Do I have to complete my profile to submit a tip-off?

No. Completing the “My Profile” section is entirely optional. You can skip profile creation during setup and submit tip-offs 100% anonymously.

3. What is the difference between choosing “Anonymous” and “Communicate”?

• If you choose Anonymous, Crime Stop receives only the incident report with zero identifying user details.
• If you choose Communicate, Crime Stop agents can contact you via app notifications, SMS, or email for follow-up questions. Your identity is still strictly protected under Crime Stop confidentiality rules, and agents only see masked contact details.

4. Why does the app ask for camera, gallery, and location permissions?

• Location: Required to automatically sort and display police stations closest to your current position.
• Camera/Gallery: Enables you to attach photos or video clips of criminal activity or suspects.
• Microphone: Allows you to record voice notes to describe an incident.

5. How do I update an existing tip-off or track progress?

Open the app, go to My History, select your previously submitted tip-off, and tap Submit Additional Information. If you previously cleared your history, tap Submit Additional Information from the main menu and enter your full reference code (e.g., REF00XXX/2024).

6. Should I use the MySAPS app during an active emergency?

No. The MySAPS app is designed for non-urgent crime tip-offs, investigative reporting, and service feedback. In an active, life-threatening emergency requiring immediate police dispatch, call 10111 or 08600 10111 directly.