Police Station

Crime Stop Number for Reporting Crime

The national Crime Stop number for reporting crime anonymously in South Africa is 08600 10111. This contact channel allows members of the public to share vital crime intelligence, report illegal activities, or give confidential tip-offs without revealing their identity.

If you have information regarding criminal activity, wanted suspects, drug dealing, or illegal firearms, using the 08600 10111 hotline allows you to inform law enforcement safely.

Emergency Warning: The Crime Stop line (08600 10111) is an anonymous intelligence-gathering hotline and not an emergency response dispatch. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing a crime in progress, or require urgent police response, call the main emergency police numbers via 10111 immediately or head to your nearest police station.

Direct Answer: How to Report This Crime or Open a Case

To share information or report crime anonymously South Africa, follow these steps:

  1. Call 08600 10111: Dial the toll-free Crime Stop number for reporting crime from any mobile network or landline in South Africa.
  2. Provide Detailed Information: Give the call operator clear details regarding the incident, location, individuals involved, or vehicle descriptions.
  3. Maintain Anonymity: You do not have to provide your name, phone number, address, or personal details.
  4. Use Digital Alternatives: Alternatively, you can submit anonymous tip-offs electronically via the MySAPS mobile application.

Calling 08600 10111 passes actionable information to specialized SAPS investigation units. However, calling Crime Stop does not generate an official police statement or a Case Administration System (CAS) number for insurance or legal prosecution. To officially open a criminal case, you must visit a SAPS police station in person.

When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station

Understanding which service channel to use ensures you get the fastest and most effective response:

  • Call 10111 (Emergency Hotline): Use when a crime is actively occurring, lives are at risk, suspects are currently on the scene, or an urgent response team needs to be dispatched to your location.
  • Call 08600 10111 (Crime Stop Line): Use when you have information about past crimes, ongoing criminal operations, tip-offs on illegal goods, or the whereabouts of wanted individuals, and you wish to remain anonymous.
  • Visit a Police Station (In-Person Reporting): Use when you need to formally open a criminal case, make a sworn affidavit, obtain a CAS number for insurance, or submit physical evidence.

For a detailed comparison of emergency dispatch versus station visits, consult our guide on Call 10111 or Go to Police Station. If you are uncertain about station boundaries or jurisdiction, read Can I Open a Case at Any Police Station.

What Information and Documents to Prepare

Whether submitting a confidential tip-off via 08600 10111 or filing a report at a police station, having detailed information ready speeds up the investigation process.

Documents or details to prepare

  • Personal Identification (For Formal Statements): Your South African ID document, Smart ID card, driver’s license, or passport. (Not required for anonymous Crime Stop calls).
  • Incident Summary: Exact dates, times, street names, landmarks, or GPS coordinates where the activity occurred.
  • Suspect Details: Height, age estimate, build, clothing, hair, tattoos, scars, spoken language, or known aliases.
  • Vehicle Information: Make, model, color, registration/license plate number, or notable damage.
  • Stolen Property: Make, model, serial numbers, IMEI numbers (for mobile phones), receipts, or photographs.
  • Supporting Evidence: CCTV footage, photographs, physical items, or contact details of eye witnesses.

What Happens After You Report the Crime

The sequence of events following your report depends on the reporting channel used:

Anonymous Tip-Offs (Via 08600 10111)

  1. The operator records the details and assigns an internal intelligence reference.
  2. The information is evaluated and routed to the appropriate SAPS unit, detective branch, or provincial task team.
  3. Officers conduct investigations, surveillance, or operational raids based on the lead.
  4. Because the call is anonymous, you will generally not receive follow-up contact unless you explicitly ask to remain in touch with an investigator.

Formal Case Filing (At a Police Station)

  1. An officer interviews you and records your sworn statement detailing the incident.
  2. You review and sign the written statement confirming its factual accuracy.
  3. The report is registered on the SAPS Crime Administration System.
  4. An official CAS reference number is generated and issued to you.

For complete details on navigating national reporting processes, review our comprehensive guide on How to Report a Crime in South Africa. To learn about electronic reporting limitations, see Can I Report a Crime Online South Africa.

CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress

A CAS (Crime Administration System) number is the unique identification number assigned to a formally opened criminal case in South Africa (formatted as CAS [Number]/[Month]/[Year]).

  • Why You Need a CAS Number: It serves as proof that a crime was officially reported and is required by insurance companies, financial institutions, and courts.
  • Detective Assignment: Once logged, the station commander assigns the file to an investigating officer (detective). You should receive an automated SMS containing the assigned detective’s name, direct contact details, and the CAS number within 24 to 48 hours.
  • Tracking Progress: To follow up on your case, contact the specific station where the report was opened or reach out directly to the assigned detective using your CAS number.

Related Police Services and FAQs

Related police services

  • MySAPS Mobile App: Downloadable on iOS and Android to send anonymous tip-offs and locate station contact details.
  • Victim Empowerment Program (VEP): Station-based support providing confidential counseling and assistance to victims of violent crime and domestic abuse.
  • Community Police Forums (CPF): Civilian-led community groups working closely with local SAPS leadership to coordinate neighborhood security.

Official source to verify

For official SAPS policies, contact directories, and updates, cross-reference with these primary government channels:

FAQs

How do I deal with 08600 10111?

Dial 08600 10111 from any mobile phone or landline. State clearly that you wish to report information about a crime or illegal activity. You are not required to give your name or personal details. Provide concise facts including location, dates, and suspect descriptions.

Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?

Yes. Dialing 08600 10111 or 10111 is toll-free from South African phone networks. Opening a criminal case at any SAPS police station carries no official cost or administration fee.

When should I call 10111 instead of visiting a police station?

Call 10111 immediately if an active emergency exists, a crime is currently taking place, or lives are in danger. Visit a police station in person when the immediate threat has passed and you need to file a formal statement to receive a CAS number.

What is a SAPS CAS number?

A SAPS CAS number is a unique reference code generated when a criminal case is formally registered at a police station. It allows you and your insurance provider to track the progress of the official investigation.