Is the MySAPS App Anonymous? What You Need to Know
Quick Answer
Yes, the MySAPS app is completely anonymous. When you submit a crime tip-off using the MySAPS app, you are not required to provide your name, phone number, or ID number. Setting up a user profile is strictly optional, and if you choose the “Submit Anonymously” option, your identity is not attached to the tip-off, and Crime Stop agents cannot track or identify you.
How Anonymity Works on the MySAPS App
The MySAPS mobile application was developed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to give citizens a safe, accessible platform to report criminal activity directly to the SAPS Crime Stop Call Centre.
Because fear of retaliation is one of the biggest deterrents to reporting crime, SAPS designed the app with privacy and anonymity as core features.
1. Profile Creation is Optional
When you download and open the MySAPS app for the first time, you are presented with a “My Profile” registration screen asking for contact information. You can skip this step entirely. The app functions fully without any personal information saved on your device or linked to your user session.
2. Crime Stop Call Centre Handling
All tip-offs submitted through the app do not go directly to local police stations or individual police officers. Instead, they are routed straight to the centralized SAPS Crime Stop Call Centre. Call Centre agents review and analyze the information before escalating actionable leads to specialized investigating units or local stations without disclosing source identities.
“Submit Anonymously” vs. “Communicate” Options
When you submit a tip-off through the app, you will be prompted to choose how you want your information processed. Understanding the difference between these two options is crucial for protecting your privacy:
| Feature | Submit Anonymously | Choose to “Communicate” |
| Personal Details Sent | None | Profile info sent (if populated) |
| Identity Visibility | Completely unknown to SAPS | Masked (agents only see masked contact details, e.g., ******2994) |
| Direct Follow-ups | No direct messaging or call-backs | Agents can contact you via in-app notification, SMS, or email |
| Reference Number Issued | Yes | Yes |
| Can Add Information Later | Yes (via reference number) | Yes (via reference number or direct message) |
Option A: Submit Anonymously
If you select Submit Anonymously, no personal details, phone numbers, or email addresses are attached to your submission. The Crime Stop Call Centre receives only the details of the crime, location, and any uploaded media. Because no contact info is linked, SAPS cannot message or call you back. However, the system generates a unique reference number (e.g., REF00XXX/2026) that you can save to check status updates or provide additional information later.
Option B: Choose to “Communicate”
If you select Communicate, you allow Crime Stop agents to request clarification or extra details regarding your tip-off. Even under this option, your privacy is protected by strict legal and system protocols—agents only see masked contact details (such as the last four digits of your cell number).
App Permissions and Data Privacy
To function effectively, the MySAPS app may request certain device permissions. Here is how those permissions affect your anonymity:
- GPS Location Access: Requested so the app can locate your nearest police station on the Station Finder map. You can deny GPS access or turn off location services on your device; the app will simply display police stations alphabetically instead.
- Photo Gallery & Camera Access: Used only when you choose to attach photos or evidence (e.g., photos under 2 MB) to a tip-off.
- Microphone Access: Used only if you choose to record and submit a voice note detailing a crime.
- Push Notifications: Used to alert you to public safety updates, wanted persons, or protest action if enabled in your settings.
How to Submit an Anonymous Tip-Off on MySAPS
- Download the App: Install MySAPS from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).
- Skip Profile Setup: When prompted to complete “My Profile,” select Skip.
- Select “Submit Tip-Off”: Tap the crime tip-off feature on the main menu.
- Enter Crime Details: Provide detailed information about the incident, location, suspects, vehicles, or illegal activity.
- Select “Submit Anonymously”: Choose the anonymous option before sending.
- Save Your Reference Number: Make a note of the unique reference number displayed on your screen. You can use this under the My History tab to submit updates or follow up without ever revealing who you are.
No Smartphone? Anonymous Reporting via USSD
If you do not have a smartphone or data, you can still report crime anonymously using the official SAPS USSD service on any mobile phone:
- Dial
*134*10111#on your mobile device. - Follow the prompt menu to submit a tip-off.
- Choose to remain anonymous when prompted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to create an account or provide personal details to use the MySAPS app?
No. Creating an account or filling out the “My Profile” section is entirely optional. You can skip registration when launching the app and proceed directly to reporting crime or using station finder tools.
2. Can the police track my phone number or IP address if I report anonymously?
When you choose the anonymous reporting option, the MySAPS platform strips personal metadata from the submission sent to Crime Stop. The system is designed specifically to protect informant identity so citizens can report organized crime, corruption, or violent offenses without fear.
3. What is the difference between “Submit Anonymously” and selecting “Communicate”?
“Submit Anonymously” completely hides your identity and prevents SAPS from sending you direct messages or call-backs. Selecting “Communicate” allows Crime Stop agents to message you for further details about your tip-off, while still keeping your full identity masked and confidential.
4. How can I add more information to an anonymous tip-off later?
When you submit a tip-off, the app generates a unique reference number. You can go to the My History tab in the app or select Submit Additional Information, enter your reference number, and submit new details or images attached to that specific case file.
5. Will I be called to testify in court if I report a crime on MySAPS?
No. An anonymous tip-off serves as intelligence for police investigators to open an enquiry or perform an investigation. Because your identity is unknown, you cannot be subpoenaed or called as a state witness based on an anonymous submission.
6. Is the MySAPS app free to download and use?
Yes, the MySAPS app is completely free to download on both Android and iOS devices. However, submitting a tip-off via the smartphone application requires active mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection. Alternatively, the USSD string (*134*10111#) can be accessed from feature phones.