How to Report Crime Through Crime Stop

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

To report a crime anonymously in South Africa, call the national Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. The Crime Stop call center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is managed by specialized interviewers within the South African Police Service (SAPS) Division Detective Service.

When you call, you can provide detailed information about criminal activities, illegal operations, or wanted suspects without revealing your name or personal details. The call center agent will log your information and provide you with a unique, secret reference code (informer code).

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING: 
• Crime Stop (08600 10111) is STRICTLY for anonymous tip-offs and non-urgent criminal information. It cannot dispatch emergency vehicles to an active scene.
• For ACTIVE EMERGENCIES, violent crimes in progress, or immediate police dispatch, call 10111 immediately or dial 112 from a mobile phone.
• To lay formal criminal charges, open an official case docket, or obtain a CAS number for insurance claims, you must visit your [nearest police station](https://policestation.co.za/nearest-police-station/) in person.

If you prefer to submit an anonymous tip off SAPS digitally, you can also use the official MySAPS mobile application available on major smartphone platforms.

When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station

Choosing the correct channel ensures that SAPS resources are deployed effectively and that your report receives the immediate attention it requires.

Channel	Contact Method	Best Used For	Anonymity & Outcome
Crime Stop	08600 10111 Crime Stop number	Non-urgent tip-offs, illegal drug sales, illegal firearms, gang activities, stolen goods storage, corruption, or suspect locations.	100% Anonymous. Generates an informer code for follow-up. Does not generate an official case docket.
Emergency Line	10111(or 112 on mobile)	Active crimes in progress, home break-ins underway, armed robberies, vehicle hijackings, violent assaults, or threats to life.	Immediate Dispatch. Units are sent to the location. Caller details are logged by visible policing dispatch operators.
Local Police Station	Physical Visit	Opening a case docket after a crime occurred, laying criminal charges, making a sworn statement (affidavit), submitting physical evidence, or getting a CAS number.	Formal Investigation. Requires personal identification. Assigns a dedicated detective to the docket.

For a complete breakdown of emergency contact options across South Africa, consult our guide to emergency police numbers.

What Information and Documents to Prepare

The quality of the information you provide determines how effectively SAPS detectives can investigate a tip-off or handle a case.

Details to Prepare for an Anonymous Crime Stop Tip-Off

When calling 08600 10111, no identity documents are required because your identity remains concealed. However, to make your tip actionable, prepare the following facts beforehand:

• Who: Names, nicknames, aliases, physical descriptions (height, tattoos, clothing), or photos of the suspects.
• What: The exact nature of the illegal activity (e.g., drug dealing, chop shops, illegal firearms, copper theft).
• Where: Precise addresses, street names, building landmarks, or vehicle registration numbers (make, model, color).
• When: Days and specific times when the illegal activity regularly takes place.
• How: How the operation is conducted (e.g., specific entry points, stash locations, getaway methods).

Documents Required to Open a Formal Case at a Station

If you are a victim visiting a station to open a case docket, bring:

1. Valid Identification: South African ID card/book, valid foreign passport, or official identity documentation.
2. Proof of Ownership / Serial Numbers: For stolen property, electronics, or vehicles (needed for tracing and insurance claims).
3. Evidence: Photos of property damage, medical reports (e.g., J88 form for physical assault), or financial transaction records.

What Happens After You Report the Crime

Understanding the internal process helps set clear expectations for how your tip-off or case moves forward through law enforcement channels.

[Tip Submitted via 08600 10111] ──► [Agent Assigns Secret Code] ──► [Routed to SAPS Detective Division] ──► [Verification & Operational Action]

1. Intake and Assessment: A trained Crime Stop call centre agent answers your call, gathers the information, and structures it into an intelligence report.
2. Secret Code Assignment: The agent gives you a secret informer code. Store this code in a secure location. It is your only reference tool if you need to add more details later or claim an official reward.
3. Distribution to Detectives: The report is forwarded to the relevant SAPS specialized units (e.g., Crime Intelligence, Narcotics, Organized Crime, or local station detectives).
4. Investigation and Action: Detectives cross-reference your tip with existing dockets, apply for search warrants if necessary, and conduct targeted operations.
5. Formal Case Docket Path: If you opted to visit a police station instead, a police officer records your statement under oath, opens a physical docket, registers it on the Crime Administration System (CAS), and assigns a detective to investigate.

CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress

A common point of confusion for citizens is the difference between a Crime Stop reference code and an official SAPS CAS number.

Crime Stop Secret Code vs. SAPS CAS Number

• Crime Stop Secret Code: An anonymous reference number provided when you report crime anonymously South Africa via 08600 10111. It protects your identity and allows you to follow up without linking your name to the report.
• SAPS CAS Number (Crime Administration System): A formal registration number assigned only when a victim or witness opens an official case docket at a police station. Format example: CAS 123/08/2026. This number is legally required for tracking detective progress, court proceedings, and insurance claims.

How Does Crime Stop Work for Detective Follow-Up?

If you are wondering how does Crime Stop work regarding case progress:

• Anonymous Follow-Ups: You can call 08600 10111 back at any time, quote your secret informer code, and ask for an update or provide additional information. The call center agent acts as a secure buffer between you and the assigned investigating officers.
• Financial Rewards: If SAPS has advertised a monetary reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction on a high-profile case, Crime Stop handles the reward processing. The payout is structured so that you can collect your reward without compromising your anonymity.

For a comprehensive overview of reporting channels across the country, see our parent guide on How to Report a Crime in South Africa.

Related Police Services and FAQs

Official Source Verification

All official reporting guidelines, emergency protocols, and Crime Stop policies are maintained directly by the South African Police Service. You can verify official national policies on the SAPS Official Portal or review official contact channels on SAPS Talk to Us.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I deal with crime stop number?

Call 08600 10111 from any phone. Speak clearly to the call agent, provide specific details regarding the illegal activity (who, what, where, when) without giving out your personal identity, and record the secret informer code provided at the end of the call. Keep this code safe for future updates.

Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?

Yes, reporting a crime or filing a formal case docket at any SAPS station is entirely free of charge. Emergency calls to 10111 from a Telkom landline are free, while calls to 08600 10111 or 10111 made from a cell phone are charged at standard network/local call rates.

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

Call 10111 immediately if a crime is happening right now, if armed suspects are on site, or if someone’s physical safety is under direct threat. Visit a police station when the danger has passed and you need to log an after-the-fact incident, lay criminal charges, or receive an official CAS number for insurance.

What is a SAPS CAS number?

A CAS (Crime Administration System) number is a unique case reference issued by SAPS when a crime docket is formally opened at a police station. It links the incident to an investigating detective and serves as official proof of report for legal and insurance purposes.