You can access the South African Police Service (SAPS) mobile reporting services on any basic feature phone by dialing the USSD string *134*10111#. This free service allows citizens without smartphones or internet connectivity to submit anonymous crime tip-offs, update existing reports, and find local police station details. Because it relies on standard mobile cellular signals rather than mobile data, it ensures that vital police communication is accessible to every community across South Africa.
How to Access MySAPS on a Feature Phone
Feature phones—commonly referred to as basic phones or “dumb phones”—do not support downloadable iOS or Android applications. To ensure universal access, the SAPS integrated a dedicated Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) interface that mirrors the core capabilities of the MySAPS smartphone application.
Step-by-Step USSD Dialing Instructions
- Open the Phone Dialer: On your feature phone, open the keypad just as you would to make a regular telephone call.
- Dial the Code: Enter
*134*10111#and press the Call / Send button. - Follow the On-Screen Prompts: A text-based menu will appear on your screen presenting available service options (such as reporting a crime or finding a station).
- Enter Your Details: Type the corresponding number for your selection and follow the prompts to provide the location, description of the incident, or suspect information.
- Record Your Reference Number: Once your submission is complete, the system generates a unique reference number. Write this reference down so you can track or add information to your report later.
Core Services Available via the *134*10111# USSD Code
The feature phone version of MySAPS provides crucial community policing tools through a lightweight, text-based navigation menu.
1. Anonymous Crime Tip-Offs
You can report criminal activity, suspicious behavior, or information regarding wanted suspects directly to the Crime Stop Centre. The service provides two reporting pathways:
- Remain Anonymous: No personal information or contact details are attached to the report.
- Allow Follow-Up Communication: You can choose to provide contact details so investigators from the Crime Stop Call Centre can follow up with you directly for clarification.
2. Police Station Directory & Contact Lookup
If you need to contact your nearest police station, the USSD menu allows you to search for police stations across South Africa by province and locality. The system displays direct contact telephone numbers and physical station addresses.
3. Submitting Follow-Up Information
If you have already submitted a tip-off and discover new details (such as a vehicle registration number, physical description, or location), you can dial *134*10111#, select the follow-up option, and enter your original reference code to append new facts to the open file.
MySAPS Smartphone App vs. USSD Feature Phone Service
While both platforms connect users to the SAPS Crime Stop Centre, their features differ based on device capabilities:
| Feature / Capability | Smartphone App (Android / iOS) | Feature Phone Service (USSD) |
| Access Method | Google Play Store / Apple App Store | Dial *134*10111# |
| Data / Airtime Requirement | Requires mobile data or Wi-Fi | No data required; free USSD access |
| Supported Devices | Modern smartphones and tablets | Any GSM mobile phone (basic or smart) |
| Media Attachments | Supports photos, videos, and voice clips | Text-only input |
| Location Tracking | Automatic GPS station finder | Manual province/town text selection |
| Notifications | Push alerts for missing persons & safety | SMS updates (if communication is permitted) |
Privacy and Anonymity on USSD Tip-Offs
A primary concern when reporting crime is personal safety. When submitting information via *134*10111#, user confidentiality is protected by built-in security measures:
- Automated Data Redaction: If you select the anonymous reporting option, your phone number and network identifiers are stripped from the file before it reaches investigative units.
- Centralized Processing: All tip-offs route through the national Crime Stop Call Centre rather than local precinct front desks, preventing local tampering or compromised privacy.
- Masked Identifiers: Even if you choose to allow follow-up communication, call center operators only see masked contact references to preserve your security throughout the investigation.
When to Use *134*10111# vs. Emergency Numbers
The USSD service is specifically designed for non-emergency crime intelligence, suspicious activity reporting, and station lookups. It is not an instantaneous emergency dispatch system.
- Use
*134*10111#for: Tip-offs about drug dealing, illegal firearms, stolen property, wanted suspects, or general police station inquiries. - Call 10111 directly for: Crimes in progress, armed robberies, immediate threats to life, or situations requiring an immediate patrol vehicle dispatch.
- Call 112 directly for: General emergency services from any mobile phone (routes through cellular emergency dispatchers for police, fire, or ambulance).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need mobile data or airtime to use the MySAPS USSD code?
No, dialing *134*10111# does not consume mobile internet data. The service is designed on standard USSD protocols to ensure that citizens without an active data bundle or airtime can still communicate critical safety information to the police.
Is my identity protected when reporting crime from a basic phone?
Yes. When you initiate a tip-off, the menu prompts you to choose whether you wish to remain anonymous or allow SAPS to communicate with you. If you select the anonymous option, your personal details and phone number are completely withheld from the Crime Stop report.
Can I send photos or voice notes via the feature phone service?
No. Feature phone USSD menus support text entries only. If you need to attach photographs, video footage, or voice recordings to a report, you must use the MySAPS application on a smartphone or hand the physical media over to an investigating officer at a police station.
What happens after I submit a tip-off through USSD?
Your tip-off is transmitted to the national SAPS Crime Stop Centre. Analysts evaluate the information, compile an intelligence docket, and forward it to the appropriate operational unit or local detective branch for investigation. You receive an on-screen reference number to monitor the case.
Can I update a previous tip-off using my feature phone?
Yes. If you dial *134*10111#, you can select the option to submit additional information. Enter your original reference number when prompted, and you will be able to submit new observations or updates directly to the existing file.
Which mobile networks support the *134*10111# USSD service?
The *134*10111# string is a national public service code supported across all major South African mobile telecommunication networks, including Vodacom, MTN, Telkom Mobile, and Cell C.