The official MySAPS mobile application allows South African citizens to report criminal activity and submit anonymous tip-offs directly to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop Centre. Available for download on Android and iOS devices—or accessible via USSD on basic mobile phones—the platform allows users to log crime details, pinpoint locations, and upload media evidence. While the app is a powerful tool for community intelligence, victims requiring a formal police case number for insurance or court proceedings must still open a standard criminal docket at a local police station.
What is the MySAPS App?
The MySAPS App is a digital policing tool developed through a collaboration between the South African Police Service and the State Information Technology Agency (SITA). Designed to bridge communication between local communities and law enforcement, the app empowers citizens to actively combat crime across South Africa.
Through the app, community members can share vital intelligence regarding criminal syndicates, drug trafficking, stolen property, illegal firearms, and violent crimes without fear of retaliation.
How to Download and Install MySAPS
The MySAPS application is free to download and operates across all major mobile operating systems:
- Android Devices: Download via the Google Play Store by searching for “MySAPS” or “My SAPS”.
- Apple iOS Devices: Download via the Apple App Store (compatible with iOS 15.0 or later).
- Huawei Devices: Available via the Huawei AppGallery.
Once installed, users can either register a profile using their contact information or proceed as an anonymous user.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Report a Crime on the MySAPS App
Submitting a tip-off on the MySAPS app takes only a few minutes. Follow these steps to ensure law enforcement receives complete and actionable information:
Step 1: Launch the App and Select “Provide Tip-Off”
Open the MySAPS app on your smartphone. On the main dashboard, tap the “Provide Tip-Off” (or “Report Crime”) icon.
Step 2: Choose Your Anonymity Level
The app will prompt you to select whether you want to submit the report:
- Anonymously: Your profile data, phone number, and personal details are stripped from the submission. SAPS investigators cannot trace the report back to your identity.
- With Profile Details: Your contact details will be shared with the investigating team, allowing them to contact you directly if clarification is required.
Step 3: Select the Crime Category and Incident Location
- Crime Category: Choose the relevant type of offense from the drop-down menu (e.g., Armed Robbery, Drug Activity, Illegal Firearms, Gender-Based Violence, Theft).
- Location: Use your device’s GPS location, enter a physical street address, or select the nearest local police station handling the area.
Step 4: Enter Incident Details and Attach Evidence
Provide as much specific information as possible:
- Description: Summarize what happened, when it occurred, and who was involved.
- Suspect Details: Mention identifying marks, clothing, aliases, approximate height, or distinctive physical traits.
- Vehicles: Include vehicle makes, models, colors, and registration numbers if known.
- Media Attachments: Upload supporting photos, video clips, or relevant documents directly through the app interface.
Step 5: Submit and Record Your Reference Number
After reviewing your entry, tap “Submit”. The system will generate a unique reference number. Write down or take a screenshot of this number to track updates or submit additional details later.
How to Report Crime via USSD (Feature Phones)
Citizens without smartphones or mobile data can still send anonymous tip-offs using the national SAPS USSD string:
- Dial
*134*10111#on your mobile keypad. - Follow the on-screen prompts to select the crime type and province.
- Enter the details of the criminal activity.
- Submit the tip-off and receive an SMS confirmation containing your reference number.
MySAPS Tip-Off vs. Opening a Formal Police Case
Understanding the difference between submitting a tip-off on the app and lodging a formal case docket is essential:
| Feature | MySAPS App Tip-Off | Physical Police Station Case (Docket) |
| Primary Purpose | Supplying intelligence / suspicious activity alerts | Opening an official criminal investigation |
| Anonymity | Complete anonymity option available | Requires verified ID and sworn statement |
| Case (CAS) Number | Generates an intelligence reference number only | Issues an official CAS (Crime Administration System) number |
| Insurance Claims | Not valid for insurance or legal claims | Required for insurance payouts and legal court filings |
| Physical Presence | 100% digital via smartphone or USSD | In-person attendance at a police station required |
Additional Features of the MySAPS App
Beyond crime reporting, the application provides several auxiliary policing tools:
- SAPS Station and Facilities Finder: Uses device location to display the contact numbers, physical addresses, and commanding officer details for the nearest police station or Victim Empowerment Centre.
- Persons of Interest Directory: View searchable lists and photographs of missing individuals, unidentified persons, and wanted suspects across South Africa.
- Service Delivery Complaints: Lodge reports regarding poor service delivery or misconduct experienced at any SAPS police station.
- Crime Alerts & Notifications: Receive official push notifications concerning local protests, road closures, and safety warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report a crime completely anonymously on the MySAPS app?
Yes. When initiating a tip-off, you can toggle the anonymous reporting option. This ensures your personal profile, phone number, and device identifiers are omitted from the report sent to the Crime Stop Centre.
Does submitting a tip-off on MySAPS give me an official case number for insurance?
No. A tip-off logged on the MySAPS app generates an intelligence reference number for police monitoring, not a formal CAS (Crime Administration System) case number. If you need a case number for insurance claims, stolen property replacement, or court proceedings, you must visit a police station in person to make a sworn statement.
How do I report a crime if I have a basic feature phone or no internet data?
You can use the USSD service by dialing *134*10111# from any mobile network in South Africa. The service is accessible on non-smartphones and allows you to submit crime tips step by step via basic text prompts.
Should I use the MySAPS app during an active emergency?
No. The MySAPS app is designed for non-urgent tip-offs and intelligence gathering, not immediate tactical response. In life-threatening emergencies, armed robberies in progress, or immediate danger, call the national emergency line at 10111or contact your local station directly.
Can I attach photos, videos, or documents to my report?
Yes. The smartphone version of the app allows users to upload media files directly from their device’s gallery or file manager to substantiate the tip-off.
How do I follow up or add more information to an existing tip-off?
Open the MySAPS app, navigate to the tip-off section, and select the update option using the unique reference number provided upon your initial submission. You can add new evidence, updated suspect descriptions, or notes without having to start a new report.