MySAPS App Tip-Off Updates: How to Provide Additional Information and Track Crime Reports
Quick Answer: How MySAPS Tip-Off Updates Work
The MySAPS Mobile Application, developed for the South African Police Service (SAPS), allows citizens to submit anonymous crime tip-offs to the Crime Stop Call Centre and provide subsequent updates as new information emerges. Whenever a tip-off is lodged, the system generates a unique Reference Number. Users can append additional details, photos, or video footage to an existing report at any time by accessing the “My History” tab in the app or selecting “Submit Additional Information” and providing their original reference number. To check progress on a report, reporters can contact the Crime Stop Call Centre directly on 08600 10111 using their reference number.
Overview of the MySAPS Tip-Off System
Fighting crime in South Africa requires close cooperation between law enforcement and the public. Launched to modernise crime reporting and improve accessibility, the MySAPS App provides a direct line between community members and the SAPS Crime Stop Centre.
While initial crime reports provide police with vital starting points for investigations, criminal situations are dynamic. New evidence, updated suspect locations, witness descriptions, or stolen property listings often come to light after an initial report has already been lodged. The tip-off update functionality ensures that citizens can continuously supply law enforcement with critical new information without having to file duplicate or separate reports.
The Role of the Unique Reference Number
When you log a crime tip-off through the MySAPS app, the Crime Stop system processes your submission and automatically generates a unique Reference Number (for example, REF00XXX/2026).
This reference number serves several essential functions:
- Consolidation of Evidence: Links all subsequent information, photos, or video clips directly to the primary investigative file.
- Preservation of Anonymity: Allows you to supply additional information or inquire about case updates without disclosing your identity.
- Internal SAPS Tracking: Helps Crime Stop agents route new details to the relevant local police station or specialized investigating unit.
Important: Always write down or take a screenshot of your reference number when submitting a tip-off, especially if you plan to clear your mobile app cache or history in the future.
How to Submit an Update or Additional Information
There are two primary ways to submit an update to an existing crime tip-off, depending on whether your local app history is still available.
Method 1: Updating via “My History” (Recommended)
If you have not cleared your app data, updating a previous report is straightforward:
- Open the MySAPS App on your smartphone.
- Tap the My History menu option on the home dashboard.
- Locate and select the specific tip-off report you wish to update.
- Tap Add Additional Information or Submit Additional Information.
- Enter the new details in the text field provided.
- Attach supporting visual media (if applicable) and submit.
Method 2: Updating Manual Reference (If History Is Cleared or Device Changed)
If you cleared your app history or installed MySAPS on a new device, you can still send an update as long as you have your original reference number:
- Open the MySAPS App.
- From the main menu, select Submit Additional Information.
- Type in your full, exact Reference Number (e.g.,
REF00XXX/2026). - Enter the updated criminal activity, suspect descriptions, or location details.
- Tap Submit to send the update directly to the Crime Stop Call Centre.
Guidelines for Submitting Visual Media Updates
- Photos & Documents: You can upload relevant photos or documents from your phone’s gallery to support your update.
- Video Clips: Videos must be under 2MB in size or less than 1 minute in duration to process successfully through the app.
Anonymity vs. Two-Way Communication in Updates
When lodging or updating a tip-off, the MySAPS app gives users two options regarding communication:
| Option | How It Works | Privacy Protection |
| Remain Anonymous | The system strips all personal profile data. Crime Stop agents receive only the tip-off content and reference number. | Complete Anonymity: Agents cannot contact you or send messages back through the app. You must use your reference number for manual updates. |
| Choose to Communicate | Allows Crime Stop agents to message you via the app, SMS, or email if clarification or extra details are needed. | Protected Confidentiality: Call centre agents only see truncated/masked contact details (e.g., ******2994 or a*****@gmail.com). |
How to Request Status Feedback on a Submitted Tip-Off
For security and privacy reasons, the MySAPS app does not send automated push notifications regarding police progress or arrests resulting from a tip-off.
To request progress feedback on an active investigation:
- Call the Crime Stop Call Centre on 08600 10111.
- Provide the agent with your unique Reference Number.
- The agent will check the system records and provide available updates on whether an enquiry or case file has been opened and escalated to an investigating unit.
Note: SAPS internal procedures require Crime Stop to request operational feedback on forwarded tip-offs from investigating units every 21 days until the matter is resolved.
“Submit Additional Information” vs. “Send Feedback”
Users often confuse these two features within the MySAPS mobile app. The table below outlines their distinct purposes:
| Feature | Primary Purpose | Destination |
| Submit Additional Information | Adding extra evidence, suspect updates, or new location details to an active crime tip-off using a reference number. | Crime Stop Call Centre & SAPS Investigators |
| Send Feedback | Submitting user experience comments, bug reports, feature suggestions, or general performance issues regarding the app. | App Support & Technical Developers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I send an update if I lost or cleared my app history?
If you cleared your app history, select Submit Additional Information from the main menu, type in your full Reference Number (e.g., REF00XXX/2026), and enter your new details. As long as you have the reference number, your update will be attached to the original case file.
2. Will the MySAPS app automatically notify me when an arrest is made?
No. The app does not send progress notifications regarding investigations. If you wish to receive feedback on an investigation resulting from your tip-off, call the Crime Stop Call Centre at 08600 10111 and provide your reference number.
3. Is my identity kept confidential when I send photo or video updates?
Yes. If you selected the “Anonymous” option, no personal data or profile information is attached to your upload. If you selected “Communicate,” your details remain confidential under strict SAPS privacy protocols, and agents can only view masked contact information.
4. What are the file limits for uploading video updates on MySAPS?
Any video clip attached to a tip-off or tip-off update must be less than 2MB in file size or under 1 minute in duration.
5. What is the difference between “Submit Additional Information” and “Send Feedback”?
“Submit Additional Information” is used to provide extra crime-related details or evidence for an active reference number. “Send Feedback” is meant for app suggestions, reporting technical glitches, or sharing comments on app usability.
6. Can I submit a tip-off update using the USSD code on a feature phone?
Basic tip-offs can be submitted via USSD by dialing *134*10111#. However, advanced update features—such as attaching photos, uploading video clips, or reviewing detailed history logs—require the full MySAPS Smartphone Application (available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store).
7. What should I do if I completely forgot or misplaced my reference number?
Because anonymous tip-offs are strictly unlinked from your identity to protect your safety, Crime Stop agents cannot look up a reference number using your name or phone number. If you lose your reference number and have new critical evidence, you should submit a fresh tip-off through the app and include all known details.