Police Station

MySAPS Tip-off Reference Number

Understanding the mySAPS App Tip-Off Reference Number

Quick Answer Intro

A mySAPS tip-off reference number (typically formatted as REF00XXX/YYYY) is a unique alphanumeric identifier automatically generated whenever you report a crime or suspicious activity using the official mySAPS mobile application or USSD code (*134*10111#). This reference number serves as official confirmation that the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop Call Centre received your report. It allows you to add supplementary evidence to an existing report, follow up on the status of your tip by calling 08600 10111, and link your report to formal SAPS case files while fully protecting your identity.

What Is a mySAPS Tip-Off Reference Number?

When citizens report suspicious behavior, drug peddling, illegal firearms, wanted persons, or active criminal operations via the mySAPS application, the system processes the report through the national SAPS Crime Stop network. Upon successful submission, the system generates a distinct Tip-Off Reference Number.

This reference number acts as the master key for your submitted report. It ensures that even if you report completely anonymously—without providing a name, phone number, or email address—your specific submission remains cataloged in the police database and can be retrieved for investigative updates or additional intelligence layering.

Why Is the Reference Number Essential?

The tip-off reference number plays a critical role in community policing and intelligence gathering across South Africa:

  1. Maintains Your Anonymity: You do not need to share personal details to hold a record of your contribution. The reference number is tied to the crime report, not your personal identity.
  2. Allows Evidence Expansion: Crime investigations often evolve. If you notice additional details (such as a vehicle license plate, suspect appearance, or updated address), you can append them directly to your original report using the reference number.
  3. Enables Manual Follow-Up: Because the mySAPS application does not send automated status alerts back to your phone, calling the SAPS Crime Stop Call Centre on 08600 10111 and quoting your reference number is the primary method to check if action has been taken.
  4. Links Intelligence to Formal Cases: If your tip leads to an active police operation or criminal investigation, Crime Stop agents use the reference number to route your information directly to the investigating officer handling the corresponding CAS (Crime Administration System) case number.

How to Get and Locate Your Tip-Off Reference Number

1. Generating a Reference Number

  1. Download and open the mySAPS app on iOS or Android.
  2. Select Tip-Off from the home menu.
  3. Choose whether to report anonymously or select “Communicate” (which shares limited contact data for police follow-up).
  4. Fill in the incident details, location, and optional media attachments (images/videos under 2MB).
  5. Tap Submit.
  6. An onscreen pop-up will display your official Tip-Off Reference Number.

2. Finding Your Reference Number in the App

Your reference number is stored locally on your mobile device under the My History section in the app menu.

Crucial Tip: Always write down or take a screenshot of your reference number immediately after submitting a tip-off. If you clear your app history, switch devices, or uninstall the app, your local history log will be erased, and SAPS agents cannot look up a lost reference number without details from you.

How to Submit Additional Information Using Your Reference Number

If you gain new information after submitting your initial tip-off, you do not need to create an entirely new report. Linking new details to your original submission creates a stronger, consolidated case file for investigators.

Method A: Via “My History” (If saved in app)

  1. Open the mySAPS app and tap My History.
  2. Select the specific tip-off from your log.
  3. Tap Add Additional Information.
  4. Enter the new details or attach extra files and submit.

Method B: Via “Submit Additional Information” (If history was cleared)

  1. Open the mySAPS app home screen.
  2. Select Submit Additional Information.
  3. Type in your full reference number (e.g., REF00XXX/2026).
  4. Type your updated information and tap Submit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does a mySAPS tip-off reference number look like?

A tip-off reference number generally follows a structured standard format, starting with the prefix “REF” followed by digits and the submission year (for example, REF001234/2026). This unique code separates your report from thousands of daily submissions nationwide.

2. Is a tip-off reference number the same as a SAPS CAS (Case) Number?

No. A tip-off reference number is generated by the Crime Stop Call Centre when intelligence or suspicious activity is reported. A CAS number (Crime Administration System number) is only generated when a formal criminal case is opened at a physical police station. However, if your tip-off leads to a formal investigation, police agents link your tip-off reference number to the relevant CAS case number internally.

3. How can I track or check the status of my tip-off?

The mySAPS application does not provide real-time status updates or progress notifications. To follow up on a tip-off, you must call the SAPS Crime Stop Call Centre on 08600 10111 and provide your reference number to the call centre agent, who can check if the information was dispatched to local detectives or crime intelligence units.

4. What happens if I clear my app history or delete the app?

Clearing your history inside the mySAPS app deletes the local record of your reference numbers stored on your phone. It does not delete the report from the SAPS police database. However, without your reference number written down, you will no longer be able to track that specific report or append additional details to it.

5. Can I remain completely anonymous while holding a reference number?

Yes. Selecting the Anonymous option when submitting a report ensures your phone number, email address, and personal profile details are not sent to SAPS. The system still generates a reference number for you on your screen so you can retain proof of reporting and submit updates later.

6. Can I use the reference number to update a report if I submitted it via USSD?

Yes. If you submitted a tip-off using the USSD code (*134*10111#), an SMS containing your reference number is sent to your device. You can then enter that exact reference number into the mySAPS smartphone application under Submit Additional Information or quote it when calling Crime Stop at 08600 10111.