The MySAPS Unknown Persons feature is a dedicated module within the official South African Police Service (SAPS) mobile app that publishes profiles of unidentified living and deceased individuals found across the country. It provides vital case details—such as estimated age, gender, clothing descriptions, distinguishing marks, and discovery locations—to help the public assist law enforcement in identifying individuals. Through this tool, citizens can view active records and anonymously submit crucial identifying information directly to SAPS investigating officers.
What Is the MySAPS Unknown Persons Feature?
The MySAPS mobile application, developed by the South African Police Service in conjunction with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), was created to bridge communication between South African communities and law enforcement.
Within the app’s People of Interest directory, the Unknown Persons section focuses specifically on individuals whose identities remain unconfirmed. This includes:
- Unidentified Living Persons: Individuals found disoriented, injured, suffering from memory loss, or unable to communicate their identity due to medical conditions, trauma, or cognitive impairment.
- Unidentified Deceased Persons: Bodies recovered at crime scenes, accident locations, or public areas that have been transferred to Forensic Pathology Services (mortuaries) without identification or next-of-kin documentation.
By centralizing these records in a nationwide, accessible database, SAPS enables community members, search organizations, and families of missing persons to cross-reference details and aid in formal identification.
Key Details Displayed in Unknown Person Profiles
Each profile listed under the Unknown Persons section on MySAPS provides structured investigative information to help users recognize potential matches:
- Physical Characteristics: Estimated age bracket, biological sex, race, estimated height, body build, hair color, and eye color.
- Distinctive Marks: Tattoos, visible scars, birthmarks, physical anomalies, surgical implants, or specific dental characteristics.
- Clothing and Personal Belongings: Itemized descriptions of clothing, shoes, jewelry, watches, bags, or other personal items found on or near the individual.
- Discovery Information: The date, province, town/suburb, and specific policing precinct where the individual or body was located.
- Official Case Identifiers: The assigned SAPS Station, Case Number (CAS / MAS), and the contact information of the lead investigating detective or Crime Stop branch.
How to Access and Search Unknown Persons on MySAPS
Accessing the Unknown Persons registry is straightforward and does not require a registered account.
Step 1: Download and Open the App
The MySAPS app is free to download from the Google Play Store (Android), the Apple App Store (iOS), and the Huawei AppGallery.
Step 2: Navigate to People of Interest
- Open the MySAPS application on your smartphone.
- From the main home menu, tap on People of Interest.
- Select the Unknown Persons category from the list (alongside Missing Persons and Wanted Suspects).
Step 3: Browse and Filter Records
Users can scroll through the national database or narrow their search using available filters, such as:
- Province / Police Station: Filter by specific regions (e.g., Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal).
- Date Range: View individuals discovered within specific timeframes.
- Demographic Details: Filter by gender and estimated age.
How to Submit Information or a Tip-Off
If you recognize an unknown individual, clothing items, or distinctive markers listed in a profile, you can provide intelligence directly to the investigating team through the app.
- Open the Relevant Profile: Tap on the specific record to view the complete case summary.
- Select “Submit Tip-Off”: Tap the report button embedded within the profile.
- Choose Your Reporting Preference:
- Anonymous Tip-Off: Your device data, phone number, and personal details remain completely hidden from the police.
- Contact Option: Provide your contact details if you are willing to allow the Crime Stop detective to follow up directly for formal statements.
- Enter Detailed Information: Supply all known facts clearly, including potential names, family member contacts, last known residential areas, or circumstances surrounding the individual.
- Save Your Reference Number: Once submitted, the app generates a unique tracking reference number. Keep this number for future updates or follow-up communications.
Understanding the Categories: Unknown vs. Missing vs. Wanted
The “People of Interest” module separates files into three distinct categories to avoid confusion:
| Category | Definition | Primary Objective |
| Unknown Persons | Living or deceased individuals found without identification. | Establishing legal identity and locating next of kin. |
| Missing Persons | Known individuals reported missing by family, friends, or institutions. | Locating the individual’s whereabouts and ensuring safety. |
| Wanted Suspects | Identified individuals with active arrest warrants or links to criminal investigations. | Apprehension and criminal prosecution. |
What to Do if You Identify a Missing Relative on MySAPS
If you believe a listed profile matches a relative or acquaintance who has gone missing:
- Note Case Details: Record the SAPS Case Number (CAS), the station name, and the investigating officer’s contact number listed on the profile.
- Visit the Designated Police Station: Go to the police station handling the case with your South African ID document or passport.
- Provide Supporting Documentation: Bring recent photographs of the missing person, dental records, medical histories, details of identifying marks/scars, or previous missing person case reference numbers.
- DNA and Formal Verification: In cases involving deceased individuals or non-verbal patients, police and forensic pathology services will guide the next of kin through official DNA sampling, fingerprint matching, or visual confirmation protocols.
Privacy, Security, and Anonymity Guarantees
User protection is built into the MySAPS system. When utilizing the application:
- No Mandatory Registration: You can use the app and view records without completing personal profile information.
- Encrypted Transmission: All tip-off submissions are encrypted in transit.
- Strict Anonymity: When selecting anonymous reporting, the Crime Stop Call Centre cannot access your identity or phone number, ensuring your personal security while reporting sensitive information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MySAPS app free to download and use in South Africa?
Yes, the MySAPS application is completely free to download and use on iOS, Android, and Huawei devices. It does not charge subscription fees, though standard cellular data rates apply unless connected to Wi-Fi.
Can I submit information about an unknown person completely anonymously?
Yes. When submitting a tip-off through MySAPS, you can choose to remain fully anonymous. The app does not capture or transmit your phone number, name, or identifying device information when the anonymous setting is selected.
What details are most useful when submitting a tip-off on an unknown person?
The most helpful details include the person’s full legal name, known nicknames, last known home address, names and contact numbers of family members, dental or medical history, and descriptions of any matching tattoos or scars.
What should I do if I don’t have a smartphone to access MySAPS?
If you cannot access the smartphone app, you can view unknown and missing person alerts on the official SAPS website (www.saps.gov.za). Alternatively, you can call the SAPS Crime Stop contact line at 08600 10111 (toll-share) or use the USSD string code *134*10111# from any mobile phone.
What is the primary difference between Unknown Persons and Missing Persons on the app?
The Missing Persons section contains files for individuals whose identity is already known but whose current physical location is unknown. The Unknown Persons section contains files for individuals (living or deceased) who have physically been found, but whose legal identity is unknown to authorities.
How quickly does SAPS review tip-offs submitted through the application?
Tip-offs submitted through the MySAPS app are routed to the 24/7 SAPS Crime Stop National Contact Centre. Agents triage the information and forward actionable intelligence to the relevant station detectives handling the specific case file.