The official MySAPS app is a free mobile application created by the South African Police Service (SAPS) that enables citizens to submit crime tip-offs anonymously, find nearby police stations, and access critical law enforcement services.Available for Android, iOS, and Huawei devices—as well as via USSD code *134*10111# for non-smartphones—the platform provides a secure digital channel to connect communities directly with Crime Stop. It empowers residents across South Africa to report illicit activities, check missing persons or wanted suspects, and monitor crime statistics without risking their personal safety.
What Is the Official MySAPS App?
Launched as an official digital initiative by the South African Police Service in partnership with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and Vodacom, the MySAPS app modernises community policing across South Africa. The application is designed to bridge the gap between ordinary citizens and law enforcement by providing a direct, secure, and accessible platform for sharing information.
Unlike conventional emergency dispatch lines, the MySAPS application serves primarily as an intelligence-gathering and tip-off tool. It gives citizens an easy-to-use medium to report suspicious behaviour, ongoing criminal operations, or community safety hazards, directly feeding verified information to the central SAPS Crime Stop Contact Centre.
Key Features of the MySAPS Mobile Application
The MySAPS platform combines essential reporting tools and public safety resources into a unified interface.
1. Anonymous Crime Tip-Offs
The core function of MySAPS is allowing users to report criminal activities with guaranteed confidentiality. Users can submit detailed descriptions of crimes, suspect details, and incident locations, along with multimedia evidence such as photos, recorded audio, and video clips.
2. Police Station and Facilities Finder
Using your device’s GPS location, the built-in station finder identifies the closest police stations, specialized units, and community service centres. Each listing provides:
- Direct telephone lines for the station switchboard and community service desk.
- Sector policing contact numbers.
- Names and details of station leadership.
- Integrated mapping and navigation directions.
3. People of Interest Database
The app hosts an up-to-date public database managed by SAPS, divided into two critical directories:
- Missing Persons: Photographs, physical descriptions, and case reference numbers to assist families and investigators.
- Wanted Suspects: Profiles of high-priority individuals sought by law enforcement for serious crimes.
4. Vulnerability Services (FCS Units)
To support victims of gender-based violence (GBV), domestic abuse, and crimes against children, the app features a dedicated Vulnerability Services module. This links users directly to Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) units across all nine provinces.
5. Service Delivery Complaints and Inquiries
Citizens who experience poor service delivery, unprofessional conduct, or unresponsiveness at any police station can lodge formal complaints through the application for independent escalation and review.
6. Official Crime Statistics and Public Alerts
Users who enable push notifications receive real-time alerts regarding major protest actions, hazardous road closures, community safety advisories, and official quarterly crime statistics.
How to Download and Set Up MySAPS
The application is free to download across all major smartphone application ecosystems.
Downloading for Smartphones
- Android: Search for “My SAPS” on the Google Play Store (developed in conjunction with Vodacom/SITA).
- Apple iOS: Search for “My SAPS” on the Apple App Store (compatible with iPhone and iPad).
- Huawei: Search for “My SAPS” in the Huawei AppGallery.
Device Permissions Explained
During installation, the app requests several permissions necessary for core functionality:
- Location/GPS: Used solely to calculate and display the nearest police stations to your current physical position.
- Camera and Gallery: Required if you choose to attach photographic or video evidence to a tip-off.
- Microphone: Enables recording and uploading voice notes describing an incident.
- Notifications: Allows SAPS to send safety bulletins and follow-up case notifications.
Access via USSD for Feature Phones
Citizens without smartphones or mobile internet access can utilize the service via USSD code by dialling:
Plaintext
*134*10111#
This USSD menu allows basic tip-off submissions and emergency information retrieval on any mobile network in South Africa without requiring mobile data.
Step-by-Step: How to Submit a Crime Tip-Off
Submitting a tip-off through the app is straightforward and can be completed in minutes.
| Step | Action | Description |
| Step 1 | Open the App & Select Tip-Off | Tap “Submit Tip-Off” from the home dashboard. |
| Step 2 | Choose Anonymity Level | Select “Anonymous” (no profile or contact info shared) or “Communicate”(allows investigators to reply). |
| Step 3 | Enter Incident Details | Provide the crime category, location/address, suspect descriptions, and date/time of the event. |
| Step 4 | Attach Media Evidence | Optional: Upload photos, video footage, or recorded audio notes to corroborate the tip-off. |
| Step 5 | Submit & Record Reference | Tap Submit. You will instantly receive a unique reference number (e.g., REF00XXX/2026). Save this number. |
Anonymous Mode vs. Communicate Mode
When submitting a tip-off, users must choose how they wish to engage with the Crime Stop Call Centre:
┌────────────────────────────┐
│ Submit Crime Tip-Off │
└─────────────┬──────────────┘
│
┌───────────────┴───────────────┐
▼ ▼
┌───────────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────────┐
│ Anonymous Mode │ │ Communicate Mode │
├───────────────────────┤ ├───────────────────────┤
│ • Identity concealed │ │ • Agent can message │
│ • No phone/name sent │ │ • Masked contact info │
│ • Reference-only sync │ │ • Two-way updates │
└───────────────────────┘ └───────────────────────┘
- Anonymous Mode: Your profile data and phone number are completely stripped from the submission. Even Crime Stop agents cannot see who sent the report. You can still add more information later using only your unique reference code.
- Communicate Mode: You allow designated Crime Stop operators to message you within the app for clarifications or additional evidence. Contact details are securely masked (agents only see masked strings like
******2994) to safeguard your identity.
When to Use the MySAPS App vs. 10111 Emergency Lines
It is essential to understand the difference between tip-off reporting and emergency dispatch:
- Use the MySAPS App for: Tip-offs about drug peddling, illegal firearms, stolen property locations, fraud, suspicious vehicles, or non-life-threatening criminal intelligence.
- Call 10111 immediately for: Active crimes in progress, home invasions, armed robberies, motor vehicle hijackings, or situations where human life is in immediate danger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MySAPS app completely free to download and use?
Yes, the MySAPS application is 100% free to download on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei AppGallery. Submitting tip-offs or locating stations requires only standard mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection, while the fallback USSD code (*134*10111#) works on all standard mobile devices.
Can I submit a tip-off without revealing my personal identity?
Yes, the app has a dedicated “Anonymous” option on the submission screen. When selected, no personal names, phone numbers, or account profiles are transmitted to the SAPS Crime Stop Centre or investigating officers.
What is the USSD code for MySAPS on phones without internet?
You can dial *134*10111# from any mobile phone in South Africa. This USSD menu operates without an internet connection or smartphone, allowing feature-phone users to submit tip-offs and find emergency contact numbers.
Can I use the MySAPS app to report an active emergency in real time?
No, the MySAPS app is designed for non-emergency intelligence gathering and crime tip-offs, not immediate tactical response. For crimes currently in progress or life-threatening emergencies, you must immediately dial 10111 or call the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.
How do I provide additional information on an existing tip-off?
Open the MySAPS app, navigate to My History, select the previous tip-off, and tap “Submit Additional Information”. If you previously cleared your app history, choose “Submit Additional Information” from the main menu and enter your original reference number (e.g., REF00XXX/2026) to add new details.
Why does the MySAPS app request access to my camera and microphone?
These device permissions are strictly utilized for gathering evidence during tip-off submissions. The camera permission allows you to upload photos or videos of suspects, vehicles, and crime scenes, while the microphone allows you to record voice notes to describe an incident.