Emergency Notice: If you are currently in immediate danger, a crime is happening right now, or medical assistance is urgently required, do not submit an app tip-off. Call the South African Police Service (SAPS) emergency hotline at 10111 immediately or proceed directly to your nearest police station
.
The MySAPS app is an official digital initiative launched by the South African Police Service to allow members of the public to submit anonymous crime tip-offs, locate police stations, and access emergency services directly from a smartphone.
If you are looking to report a crime with MySAPS tip-off, it is crucial to understand what the app can and cannot do:
- What the app DOES: Allows you to securely send anonymous intelligence, suspect details, drug activity, corruption reports, or location leads directly to the SAPS Crime Stop division without revealing your identity.
- What the app DOES NOT do: Submitting a tip-off on the app does not open a formal criminal case, generate a Crime Administration System (CAS) number, or initiate an insurance claim. To open an official criminal case, an investigating officer must register a physical docket at a police station.
Direct Answer: How to Report This Crime or Open a Case
To report crime on MySAPS app or open an official case, follow the appropriate pathway depending on whether you are providing intelligence or opening a formal docket.
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT NEED? |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
|
+-------------------------+-------------------------+
| |
[Urgent / Crime in Progress] [Providing Information / Tip-Off]
| |
v v
Call 10111 Immediately Use the MySAPS Mobile App
or Visit Nearest Station (Select "Submit Tip-Off")
| |
v v
Formal SAPS Docket Opened Intelligence Sent to SAPS
(CAS Number Issued) (No CAS Number Issued)
Steps to Submit an Anonymous Tip-Off via MySAPS
- Download the App: Search for MySAPS on the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) and install the official application.
- Register or Proceed as Guest: You can create a profile using your mobile number or opt to use the app anonymously.
- Select “Submit Tip-Off”: Tap the main menu option for reporting a crime or tip-off.
- Choose Confidentiality: Choose whether you wish to remain 100% anonymous or allow SAPS to contact you for further details.
- Provide Details: Select the crime category (e.g., drug dealing, illegal firearms, theft, corruption) and enter specific information including location, suspect description, vehicles involved, or photos/documents.
- Submit: Send the report. You will receive a unique tip-off reference number for your records.
If you are wondering can I report a crime online South Africa
to get an insurance reference or initiate a prosecution, you must complete the process in person. Learn more about the general process in our guide on How to Report a Crime in South Africa
.
When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station
Knowing which channel to use ensures that emergency resources are dispatched quickly and dockets are registered properly.
| Situation | Recommended Action | Primary Channel |
| Active burglary, armed robbery, assault, or life-threatening situation | Immediate Police Intervention | Call 10111 or use emergency police numbers |
| Stolen property, vehicle theft, property damage, or formal charges | Open a Criminal Case & Get CAS Number | Visit your nearest police station |
| Suspicious activity, drug houses, illegal firearms, wanted persons | Anonymous Intelligence / Tip-Off | MySAPS App or Crime Stop number (08600 10111) |
| Lost documents, affidavits, or certified copies | Administrative Service | Visit any SAPS Community Service Centre |
For a detailed side-by-side comparison of immediate dispatch versus station visits, read our guide on whether to Call 10111 or Go to Police Station
.
Official Source to Verify
Always verify official SAPS contact numbers and station locations directly via official government portals:
What Information and Documents to Prepare
Whether submitting a tip-off on the app or preparing to visit a station to open a case, gathering structured details speeds up the response time and assists police investigators.
Requirements for a MySAPS App Tip-Off
To make your digital tip-off actionable for SAPS Crime Intelligence, prepare as much of the following as possible:
- Exact Location: Physical address, landmark, street name, or GPS pin of where the illegal activity occurs.
- Suspect Information: Names, nicknames, physical descriptions (height, clothing, tattoos), or habitual schedules.
- Vehicle Descriptions: Make, model, color, registration number, or distinguishing marks.
- Media Uploads: Clear photographs, video clips, or document scans (if safe to take).
Documents Required to Open a Formal Case at a Station
If you are visiting a station following an incident:
- South African ID Book / Smart Card or valid passport (foreign nationals).
- Proof of Residence (useful for administration, though not strictly required to register a crime).
- Detailed Written Statement: A clear account of the date, time, and sequence of events.
- Property List & Proof of Ownership: Serial numbers, receipts, or IMEI numbers for stolen mobile devices or electronics.
What Happens After You Report the Crime
Understanding the internal workflow helps set realistic expectations for follow-up and investigation.
[Tip-Off Submitted via MySAPS] ──► [SAPS Crime Stop Central Desk]
│
▼
[Screened & Categorized]
│
▼
[Routed to Specialized Unit or
Local Station Intelligence]
│
▼
[Investigation / Operation]
- Screening & Processing: Tip-offs submitted through the app are routed directly to the national SAPS Crime Stop operational centre.
- Evaluation: Analysts review the information, assess urgency, and cross-reference existing criminal databases.
- Dispatches to Field Units: Actionable intelligence is forwarded to local station detectives, specialized task teams (such as the Anti-Gang Unit or Narcotics Bureau), or Crime Intelligence officers.
- Operational Action: Police conduct surveillance, request search warrants, or perform sting operations based on the information provided.
Note: Because tip-offs can be completely anonymous, SAPS will generally not send personal progress updates back to your phone unless you specifically requested feedback and provided contact details.
CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress
A common point of confusion for South Africans using the app is the difference between a tip-off reference and a CAS number.
+------------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| MYSAPS APP TIP-OFF | FORMAL POLICE CASE |
+------------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| * Provides intelligence / leads | * Registers a criminal offense |
| * Anonymous or confidential | * Complainant gives sworn statement|
| * Generates a Tip-Off Reference | * Generates an official CAS Number |
| * Cannot be used for insurance | * Valid for insurance & court |
+------------------------------------+------------------------------------+
What is a CAS Number?
A CAS Number (Crime Administration System number) is a unique official case reference issued when a formal criminal docket is opened at a police station (e.g., CAS 123/08/2026). It is required by insurance companies, legal representatives, and courts to track an official investigation.
- You cannot obtain a CAS number by submitting an app tip-off.
- You must visit a police station to sign a sworn statement (affidavit) to receive a SAPS CAS Number.
Opening a Case & Detective Assignments
If you need to register a formal case, you may wonder: Can I Open a Case at Any Police Station
?
- Yes. By law, any SAPS police station in South Africa must assist you in opening a docket, regardless of where the crime occurred.
- The station where you lodge the complaint will record the statement and transfer the docket to the station with jurisdiction over the crime scene.
- Once assigned, an investigating officer (detective) will contact you via SMS or phone with your official CAS number and their contact details.
Related Police Services and FAQs
Related Police Services
- SAPS Crime Stop: Call 08600 10111 to report crime anonymously over the phone if you do not have smartphone data.
- Vulnerable Sector Services: Special Victims Units and Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) units can be contacted directly at local police stations.
- Community Policing Forums (CPF): Local neighborhood watch and CPF structures work closely with station commanders to monitor tip-offs and local safety concerns.
FAQs
How do I deal with report crime on mysaps app?
Download the official MySAPS application from your smartphone’s app store. Open the app, choose “Submit Tip-Off”, select whether you wish to remain anonymous, select the type of crime, and provide detailed information (including location, suspect descriptions, or photos). If you require an official CAS number for insurance or legal purposes, you must visit a police station in person rather than using the tip-off feature.
Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?
Yes. Reporting a crime, opening a case docket, obtaining a CAS number, and submitting tip-offs via the MySAPS app or Crime Stop line are completely free services provided by the South African Police Service. Police officers are legally prohibited from charging fees for taking statements or registering dockets.
When should I call 10111 instead of visiting a police station?
You should call 10111 immediately when a crime is actively in progress, lives are in danger, or emergency police response is needed at a scene. You should visit a police station when the immediate danger has passed, or when you need to formally report a past incident, provide an affidavit, or receive a CAS number.
What is a SAPS CAS number?
A SAPS CAS (Crime Administration System) number is a unique reference code assigned to a formal criminal docket when a crime is officially registered at a police station. It typically follows the format CAS [Sequence Number]/[Month]/[Year] and is necessary for following up with the investigating detective and lodging insurance claims.