You can report crime in South Africa without data or airtime by dialing the official South African Police Service (SAPS) USSD string *134*10111# from any mobile phone. Additionally, the MySAPS mobile app is zero-rated across major South African cellular networks (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C), allowing citizens to submit anonymous tip-offs, locate police stations, and send updates even with a R0.00 data balance. For life-threatening emergencies in progress, calling 10111 remains toll-free from landlines and mobile devices nationwide.
How to Report Crime Without Mobile Data in South Africa
Access to airtime and mobile data can often be a barrier when witnessing illegal activity or needing immediate police assistance. To ensure public safety services remain accessible to every citizen, SAPS provides zero-cost digital and telephonic reporting channels.
Method 1: Using the USSD Service (*134*10111#)
The USSD service is the most accessible data-free reporting method because it operates on both basic feature phones (“dumbphones”) and smartphones. It requires:
- No mobile data or active internet connection.
- No airtime or credit balance on your SIM card.
- Compatibility across all major mobile networks in South Africa.
Method 2: Using the Zero-Rated MySAPS App
The MySAPS mobile application, available on Android and iOS, is supported through reverse-billing / zero-rating partnerships with South African mobile network operators. Once the app is downloaded onto your device, browsing its menus, locating stations, and submitting crime tip-offs will not consume your data bundle or require an active airtime balance.
Method 3: Calling Emergency & Toll-Free Hotlines
If digital methods are unavailable, telephonic voice lines provide emergency support:
- 10111 (Nationwide Police Emergency): Free to call from any phone, even without airtime, for crimes in progress or immediate danger.
- 08600 10111 (Crime Stop): A dedicated share-call line for reporting confidential tip-offs to trained investigative agents.
Step-by-Step Guide: Reporting via the *134*10111# USSD Code
Submitting a crime tip-off through the USSD string takes less than two minutes and does not leave a data trail on your phone.
- Open Phone Dialler: Dial
*134*10111#and press the call button. - Select Language & Terms: Follow the on-screen menu prompts to select your preferred language and accept the service terms.
- Select Crime Category: Choose the type of crime or incident you want to report (e.g., drug dealing, illegal firearms, theft, assault, GBV, fraud).
- Specify Location: Enter the province, town, suburb, or specific street where the criminal activity is taking place.
- Provide Details: Type a brief summary of the suspect(s), vehicles, addresses, or suspicious activities.
- Choose Anonymity: Confirm whether you wish to remain anonymous or allow Crime Stop agents to communicate with you for further details.
- Save the Reference Number: Once submitted, the system generates a unique reference number on your screen. Write this number down to provide updates or check the case status later.
Step-by-Step Guide: Reporting via the MySAPS Mobile App
The MySAPS application offers richer reporting features, including the ability to upload images, record voice notes, and pin exact GPS locations when connected.
- Open MySAPS App: Launch the app from your home screen. (Note: While submitting tip-offs is zero-rated, downloading the initial app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store requires an initial internet connection or Wi-Fi hotspot.)
- Tap “Provide Tip-Off”: Select the crime reporting option on the main dashboard.
- Select Anonymity Level: Choose “Remain Anonymous” to strip all personal identifiers, or “Communicate” if you are willing to receive secure follow-ups from the Crime Stop Call Centre.
- Enter Incident Specifics: Fill in the crime type, date, time, and address.
- Add Evidence (Optional): Attach relevant photographs, documents, or voice clips describing the suspects or events.
- Submit & Record Reference Number: Tap submit. You will receive a unique reference code (e.g.,
REF00XXX/YYYY) on your screen.
Tip-Offs vs. Emergencies vs. Opening a Formal Police Case
It is vital to understand the operational differences between the MySAPS system and standard police station procedures:
| Reporting Channel | Primary Purpose | Cost | Response Time | Generates Case Docket? |
USSD (*134*10111#) | Anonymous tip-offs on criminal activity | Free (No data/airtime) | Routed to Crime Stop investigators | No (Generates an intelligence lead) |
| MySAPS Mobile App | Anonymous tip-offs & station lookup | Zero-rated data usage | Routed to Crime Stop investigators | No (Generates an intelligence lead) |
| 10111 Call Centre | Immediate, live emergencies in progress | Free from any phone | Immediate radio dispatch to patrol vehicles | No (Dispatches rapid response) |
| Local SAPS Police Station | Filing formal criminal charges as a victim | Free (In-person) | Immediate docket registration | Yes (Generates official CAS/MAS number) |
- Tip-offs (MySAPS / USSD): Used when you have intelligence about a crime, a wanted suspect, illegal trade, or suspicious activity. These are processed by the SAPS Crime Stop Division in Pretoria and assigned to relevant detective units for investigation.
- Emergencies (10111): Used when human life is in danger, a break-in is actively happening, or an immediate police response is needed on scene.
- Opening a Case: If you are a victim needing an official case number for insurance, court proceedings, or formal prosecution, you must visit a SAPS station in person to sign a sworn statement (affidavit).
Privacy, Anonymity, and Data Protection
Public trust is critical to community intelligence gathering. The MySAPS platform is built according to international Crime Stoppers standards:
- No Forced Registration: You do not need to enter personal details, names, ID numbers, or home addresses to use the app or USSD.
- Masked Contact Details: If you choose the “Communicate” option so investigators can ask follow-up questions, call center operators only see masked digits (e.g.,
******2994or*****@gmail.com). - Secure Routing: All submitted data goes directly to the national Crime Stop Center and is kept strictly confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using the MySAPS USSD code (13410111#) require airtime or data?
No. Dialing *134*10111# is completely free of charge across all major South African mobile networks, including Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C. You can dial and complete the reporting process even if your SIM card has a zero balance for both airtime and data.
Can I remain 100% anonymous when reporting crime through the MySAPS platform?
Yes. Both the MySAPS mobile app and the USSD line allow you to select “Remain Anonymous” before submitting your information. When this option is selected, no personal data, phone numbers, or device identifiers are sent to the Crime Stop Call Centre or investigating officers.
Can I open a formal police case or get a case number using the MySAPS app or USSD?
No. MySAPS and the USSD string are designed strictly for submitting crime tip-offs and intelligence leads to Crime Stop.If you are a victim of a crime and require an official Crime Administration System (CAS) case number for legal or insurance purposes, you must report the incident in person at your nearest police station.
What information should I provide when submitting a data-free crime tip-off?
To help detectives investigate effectively, provide specific, actionable details: the exact location or address, descriptions of the suspects (clothing, height, distinctive features), vehicle descriptions (make, model, color, registration number), the type of illegal activity, and specific times when the activity typically occurs.
What should I do if a violent crime is in progress and I have no data?
If a crime is actively occurring or someone is in immediate physical danger, do not wait for a tip-off review. Call the national emergency number 10111 immediately. This call is toll-free from any cellphone or landline even without airtime, and connects directly to an emergency dispatcher who can send patrol vehicles to your location.
How do I track or follow up on a tip-off I submitted without data?
When you submit a tip-off via USSD or the MySAPS app, you receive a unique reference code. You can add additional information by dialing *134*10111#, opening the app’s “Submit Additional Information” section, or calling Crime Stop at 08600 10111 and quoting your reference number to the agent.