The MySAPS App is a free mobile application provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS) designed to bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement. Its primary features include anonymous crime tip-off reporting, a Police Station and Facilities Finder powered by GPS, access to People of Interest directories (missing persons and wanted suspects), crime statistics, service complaints logging, and targeted support for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and vulnerability services. Non-smartphone users can also access core features using the USSD code *134*10111#.
Core Features of the MySAPS App
The MySAPS application transforms how citizens interact with public safety services in South Africa, placing essential law enforcement tools directly into the palm of your hand. Below is a detailed breakdown of the primary features available on the platform.
1. Anonymous Crime Tip-Offs
The cornerstone of the MySAPS app is the ability to report illegal activities directly to the Crime Stop Call Centre without fear of retaliation.
- Complete Anonymity: Users can choose to remain anonymous, ensuring personal profile data is never shared with investigators or third parties.
- Option to Communicate: Alternatively, users can opt to “Communicate,” allowing Crime Stop agents to send progress updates or follow-up questions via in-app messaging or SMS, with personal phone numbers masked for privacy.
- Multimedia Submissions: Users can upload supporting evidence directly through the app, including photos, video clips, and voice recordings from their device gallery.
- Reference Tracking: Every submitted tip-off generates a unique reference number, enabling citizens to track progress or submit additional information later.
2. Station and Facilities Finder
Locating help quickly is critical during urgent situations or administrative needs.
- GPS-Enabled Mapping: Using your smartphone’s location services, the app automatically ranks and displays the closest SAPS stations in order of physical distance.
- Facility Details: Access physical addresses, phone numbers, email contacts, and station commander details.
- Specialized Facilities: Locate dedicated Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) units and GBV support centers nearby.
3. People of Interest Directories
The app engages communities in helping solve active cases by providing up-to-date public registries:
- Missing Persons: View profiles and photographs of reported missing individuals to assist in community-led search efforts.
- Wanted Suspects: Access profiles of wanted individuals and report sightings or information directly to law enforcement.
- Unknown Persons: View descriptions and details regarding unidentified individuals involved in ongoing SAPS inquiries.
4. Vulnerability & Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Services
SAPS has integrated dedicated modules within the app to support vulnerable members of society:
- Dedicated reporting channels for victims of domestic abuse and sexual offences.
- Immediate access to crisis hotlines, trauma support resources, and shelter contact details.
- Direct connections to specialized FCS investigators.
5. Service Complaints & Feedback
To improve accountability and service delivery across police stations nation-wide:
- Report Poor Service: Citizens can log complaints regarding unprofessional behavior, negligence, or poor service at any police station across South Africa.
- App Feedback: Users can submit suggestions and performance feedback to help SAPS improve the application’s user interface and feature set.
6. Emergency Notifications & Safety Alerts
- Opt-in push notifications alert users to local safety hazards, ongoing protest action, active crime trends, and urgent missing child or officer alerts in their immediate area.
7. USSD Access Code (*134*10111#)
Recognizing that not all citizens own a smartphone or have active internet data:
- Feature phone users can dial
*134*10111#to submit crime tip-offs, locate police stations, or request assistance without needing a smartphone or app installation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the MySAPS app free to download and use?
Yes, the MySAPS app is completely free to download from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei AppGallery. While downloading and using the app requires mobile data, non-smartphone users can access basic functionality for free via the USSD string *134*10111#.
2. Are tip-offs submitted through the MySAPS app truly anonymous?
Yes. When submitting a crime tip-off, the app explicitly asks if you wish to remain anonymous. If you select “Remain Anonymous,” no personal information or device metadata is transmitted to the Crime Stop Call Centre or SAPS investigators.
3. What is the difference between selecting “Anonymous” and “Communicate”?
Selecting “Anonymous” completely conceals your identity, preventing law enforcement from contacting you for further information. Selecting “Communicate” allows Crime Stop agents to send you updates or request extra details via SMS or in-app messaging. When you choose “Communicate,” your full details remain protected, as call centre agents can only see masked contact information (e.g., the last four digits of your phone number).
4. How do I locate my nearest police station using the app?
Open the app and select the Station Finder module. Ensure your phone’s GPS location is enabled. The app will automatically sort and display police stations starting from the closest one to your current geographic location, complete with interactive map directions and contact numbers.
5. Can I attach evidence like photos or videos to a tip-off?
Yes. When logging a tip-off, the MySAPS app allows you to attach media files from your phone’s gallery, including photos, video recordings, and audio clips, to help substantiate your report.
6. Can I use the MySAPS app in an active emergency?
While the app contains station contacts and location tools, it is not designed to replace immediate emergency dispatch. If you are in immediate physical danger or witnessing a crime in progress, you should call 10111 directly for rapid emergency police response.
7. How do I report poor service at a police station using the app?
Navigate to the Service Complaints section on the app dashboard. Fill out the digital form detailing the incident, the specific police station involved, and officer details (if known). Your complaint will be logged and routed to SAPS internal complaints management for investigation.