Everything You Need to Know About the MySAPS Mobile App

Quick Answer: The MySAPS App is a free, official mobile application provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS) that enables citizens to report crime tip-offs anonymously, find nearby police stations, track missing or wanted persons, and access emergency support for Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The app is available on iOS and Android devices, and basic features can also be accessed without data by dialing the USSD code *134*10111#.

Overview of the MySAPS Platform

The South African Police Service created the MySAPS platform to foster a safer, technology-driven partnership between law enforcement and communities across South Africa. By providing direct digital access to police services, the application enables citizens to play an active role in crime prevention while offering complete privacy protection.

Key Features of the MySAPS App

• Anonymous Tip-Offs: Report criminal activities directly to the SAPS Crime Stop Call Centre without disclosing your identity. You can attach photos, videos, or voice notes to support your claim.
• Police Station & Facility Finder: Locate nearby police stations using GPS mapping, with access to physical addresses, station contact numbers, and operational details.
• People of Interest Directory: View updated registries of missing persons and wanted suspects published by law enforcement.
• Vulnerability & GBV Support Services: Quick access to specialized reporting channels and victim assistance for Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS).
• Service Complaints & Feedback: Report poor service delivery from SAPS members or submit suggestions to improve police interaction and app usability.
• USSD Emergency Access: Citizens without a smartphone or mobile data can dial *134*10111# from any mobile phone to access core services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to fill out “My Profile” when downloading the MySAPS app?

No, completing the My Profile section is optional. You can skip this step during installation and setup. Leaving your profile blank will not restrict your access to any app features, including submitting crime tip-offs.

2. Is submitting a tip-off on the MySAPS app completely anonymous?

Yes. When submitting a crime tip-off, you are prompted to select between two modes:

• Anonymous: Your profile details, phone number, and personal identifying information are completely withheld and not sent to the police.
• Communicate: Allows Crime Stop agents to message you back regarding the report. Even in this mode, your personal details remain protected—call centre operators only see masked information (e.g., the last 4 digits of your cell number).

3. Do I need mobile data to submit a tip-off using the app?

Yes, using the MySAPS smartphone application requires an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to send tip-off details and media attachments. If you run out of data, you can use the free USSD string *134*10111# on any phone network to contact SAPS services.

4. Why does the app ask for permissions to access my GPS, camera, and microphone?

The MySAPS app requests specific device permissions purely to support functional features:

• GPS Location: Calculates your proximity to list nearby police stations accurately.
• Camera & Gallery: Enables you to upload photo evidence or short video clips (less than 2MB or under 1 minute in duration) with a tip-off.
• Microphone: Allows you to record and attach voice messages to explain an incident.

5. How do I track or add new details to a tip-off I already submitted?

Every submitted tip-off generates a unique reference number (e.g., REF00XXX/2026). To track or update your tip-off:

1. Open the app and go to the My History tab.
2. Select your previous submission to view updates or add extra information.
3. If you have cleared your history, tap Submit Additional Information on the main menu and enter your reference number.

6. Why are police stations listed alphabetically instead of by distance?

If the app lists police stations alphabetically rather than showing the closest station first, your device’s location services are likely disabled. To fix this, go to your phone’s Settings > Privacy > Location Services, enable location access for the MySAPS app, and refresh the screen.

7. What is the difference between “Submit Additional Information” and “Send Feedback”?

• Submit Additional Information: Used to send extra evidence, updates, or follow-up details on an existing crime tip-off sent to Crime Stop.
• Send Feedback: Used to send technical suggestions, report app glitches, or provide feedback regarding the digital user experience of the MySAPS application itself.