The national Crime Stop number in South Africa is 08600 10111.
If you have information regarding criminal activity, illegal weapons, drug dealing, or wanted suspects, calling this number allows you to share vital intelligence directly with trained South African Police Service (SAPS) operators while remaining completely anonymous.
Direct Answer: Which Number or Contact Route to Use
Choosing the correct contact route ensures that your situation receives the appropriate response without delay. Use the guidance below to select the correct number immediately:
- For Active Emergencies (Crime in Progress or Immediate Danger): Call 10111 from any landline or mobile phone, or dial 112 from a mobile phone. These lines dispatch local police officers and emergency units directly to your location.
- For Anonymous Tip-Offs and Crime Intelligence: Call the 08600 10111 Crime Stop Number or submit a tip through the MySAPS mobile app.
- For Non-Emergency Station Enquiries: Contact your local police station directly to follow up on a Case Reference (CAS) number, request document certification, or speak with a sector manager.
Emergency Police Help vs Anonymous Crime Stop Tip-Offs
It is critical to distinguish between emergency police intervention and reporting anonymous information through Crime Stop South Africa. Calling the wrong line can delay emergency assistance or clog lines intended for immediate dispatch.
| Channel | Contact Number | Primary Purpose | Response Type |
| Police Emergency Response | 10111 | Crimes in progress, life-threatening situations, armed robberies, accidents requiring immediate assistance. | Immediate radio dispatch of visible policing vehicles to the scene. |
| Mobile Emergency | 112 | Any life-threatening emergency dialled from a mobile phone (routes through network provider call centres). | Emergency operator transfers call to police, fire, or medical response. |
| Crime Stop Tip-Off Line | 08600 10111 | Supplying information on unsolved crimes, drug syndicates, corruption, illegal firearms, or wanted persons. | Information logged anonymously and routed to specialized investigative units. |
Key Differences in Handling Your Call
- 10111 Police Number: When calling 10111, the operator will ask for your exact physical address, contact details, and current safety status to coordinate immediate on-ground assistance.
- 112 Emergency Number South Africa: This toll-free mobile line works even if your mobile device has no airtime, connecting you to a central emergency dispatcher who will route police assistance to your area.
- Crime Stop (08600 10111): You will never be asked to reveal your name, address, or personal details when calling Crime Stop. If you choose to report crime anonymously South Africa, your identity remains fully protected. If your tip leads to an arrest and recovery of stolen property or illegal firearms, you may qualify for a cash reward without compromising your anonymity.
How to Find the Nearest Police Station Contact Details
For routine police matters—such as lodging a formal complaint, getting documents certified, or reporting a past incident that does not require an emergency vehicle response—you should contact your local precinct.
- Identify Your Precinct: Police stations operate on fixed geographical boundaries (sectors). Ensure you contact the station responsible for the area where the incident occurred or where you reside.
- Locate Direct Contact Numbers: Use an independent directory to locate your nearest police station landline number, physical address, and operating hours.
- Visit or Call directly: For routine administrative tasks, call the station landline during office hours or visit the community service centre (CSC) in person, as CSCs operate 24 hours a day.
Note: Never call local station landlines to report an active crime in progress. Always call 10111 first to ensure centralized dispatch tracking.
Important Support and Complaint Numbers
If your request falls outside general policing or requires specialized victim support or service complaint escalations, use these dedicated national channels:
- SAPS National Service Complaints Centre:
0800 333 177Use this route if you experience poor service delivery, unresponsiveness regarding an open case, or misconduct from a police station or investigating officer. - Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC):
0800 428 428(or dial*120*7867#from a mobile phone)Provides 24/7 support, counselling, and immediate referral for victims of gender-based violence and domestic abuse. - National Anti-Corruption Hotline:
0800 701 701Dedicated channel for reporting public sector corruption, bribery, or fraudulent activities. - Childline South Africa:
116Free 24/7 helpline dedicated to child protection, reporting abuse, and child support services.
Important: Online contact forms, support helplines, and complaint emails are not monitored for real-time emergency dispatch. Never use non-emergency contact forms for situations requiring urgent physical protection.
What to Do Before You Call or Visit
Being prepared before contacting Crime Stop or visiting a police station ensures your report is handled swiftly and effectively.
Documents or Details to Prepare
When providing a tip-off to Crime Stop or learning how to report a crime at a station, gather as much accurate detail as possible:
- Incident Details: Exact date, time, and specific location or landmark where the activity occurred.
- Suspect Descriptions: Gender, height, build, distinguishing marks (tattoos, scars), clothing, or nicknames.
- Vehicle Information: Make, model, color, registration/number plate, and any notable vehicle damage or modifications.
- Property Details: Serial numbers, descriptions, or unique markings of stolen items.
- Identification: Bring a valid South African ID document, passport, or driver’s license if you are opening a case or requesting official document certification in person.
Official Source to Verify
Official operational mandates and administrative policies are managed by the South African Police Service. You can verify national reporting structures directly on the official SAPS portal.
PoliceStation.co.za operates as an independent informational resource designed to assist South Africans in navigating public safety contact channels, emergency routing, and local station directories.
Related Contact Pages and FAQs
Understanding the full spectrum of Emergency Numbers South Africa ensures you can navigate administrative requirements efficiently.
Related Police Services
- Affidavits & Document Certification: Free service available 24/7 at any SAPS Community Service Centre.
- Opening a Criminal Case File: Must be done in person at a police station (preferably in the precinct where the crime occurred).
- Firearm License Applications: Handled by the station’s Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) during standard administrative weekday hours.
- Police Clearance Certificates (PCC): Applied for at local stations and processed through the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria.
FAQs
What is the right number for crime stop number?
The correct national Crime Stop number in South Africa is 08600 10111. This line is dedicated to receiving anonymous tip-offs and criminal intelligence 24 hours a day.
When should I call 10111?
Call 10111 immediately when a crime is actively occurring, when lives or property are under direct threat, or when urgent police dispatch is required at a specific location.
What is Crime Stop used for?
Crime Stop is used to collect confidential information and intelligence from the public regarding unsolved crimes, illegal firearms, drug syndicates, wanted suspects, or suspected criminal activity.
Can I report anonymously?
Yes. Calls made to the Crime Stop number (08600 10111) and tips submitted via the MySAPS mobile application allow complete anonymity. You will not be required to give your name or personal details to assist with an investigation.