Crime affects communities across South Africa, but reporting it can often be intimidating — especially when fear of retaliation is involved. Fortunately, the South African Police Service (SAPS), alongside private organisations, has provided several secure and anonymous channels for citizens to report criminal activity.
This guide outlines all the major avenues for reporting crimes anonymously, using digital platforms, emergency lines, and specialised services — ensuring your safety while contributing to justice.
Why Report a Crime Anonymously?
Many individuals witness criminal activity but hesitate to report it due to fear, stigma, or distrust in the system. Anonymous reporting bridges this gap. It allows citizens to:
Protect their identity
Avoid involvement in legal proceedings
Still contribute vital information to law enforcement
Help reduce crime in their community
SAPS and associated services ensure that certain reporting platforms do not trace caller information, allowing for complete confidentiality.
Primary Channels to Report a Crime Anonymously
1. Crime Stop Hotline (08600 10111)
This is one of the most trusted and widely used platforms in South Africa for anonymous crime reporting.
Number: 08600 10111
Operating Hours: 24/7
Cost: Charged at local rates
Anonymity: Callers are not required to give their names, and calls are not traced.
How it Works: Once a tip-off is received, SAPS generates a unique code for follow-up. This allows callers to track the progress of the case or claim a reward if the tip leads to a successful arrest or conviction.
Tip: Save this number to your contacts in case you ever witness a crime.
2. Emergency Crime Reporting (10111 or 13410111#)
When immediate police assistance is needed, dial:
10111 – Free from landlines
13410111# – For cellphones (network-dependent)
Important: These emergency services may use caller identification, which means this is not the ideal channel if you want to remain anonymous. However, it’s the fastest way to request help during or immediately after a crime.
Digital Tools for Anonymous Crime Reporting
With technology becoming more integrated into policing, citizens now have access to secure mobile platforms for crime reporting. These tools not only offer anonymity but also convenience and real-time tracking.
3. MySAPS App
The MySAPS mobile app, developed by SAPS, is available for Android and iOS devices. It offers a modern, user-friendly interface to interact with SAPS services discreetly.
Key Features:
Anonymous Tip-Offs: Submit crime-related information without revealing your identity.
Station Locator: Find and navigate to your nearest police station.
Crime Statistics: Access real-time national and provincial crime data for awareness and reporting.
Benefits:
No need to physically visit a police station.
Enables citizens to upload evidence or supporting documents.
Download: Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
4. iER App (Integrated Emergency Response)
The iER App is a free emergency response application that also allows anonymous reporting. Although specific details on its features are limited in public sources, it is widely endorsed as a useful tool for emergencies and crime alerts.
Features (as commonly noted):
Real-time emergency alerts
Secure tip-off submissions
Connection to a 24/7 national operations centre
Note: Before using the app, review the permissions and privacy policy to understand how your data is handled.
Specialised Reporting: Children and Cybercrime
Certain types of crimes require specialised reporting lines due to the sensitivity and urgency involved.
Reporting Child-Related Crimes
If you suspect a child is being abused, neglected, or exploited, report it directly to:
Childline South Africa:
Toll-Free: 08000 55 555
Email: childprotect@saps.org.za
These services are equipped to handle such cases with the urgency and privacy they demand. Childline offers trained counsellors and access to a network of social workers and law enforcement.
Reporting Cybercrime
Cybercrimes, including online fraud, hacking, and sextortion, must be reported in person.
Steps:
Visit your nearest police station.
File an affidavit describing the incident.
Request a referral to the SAPS Cybercrime Division.
For non-emergency cyber-related suspicious activity, such as spam or phishing scams, you can also report to the Cybersecurity Hub under the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies:
Website: www.cybersecurityhub.gov.za
What Happens After You Report?
If you’ve used the Crime Stop hotline or MySAPS app, you’ll receive a reference number or unique code. Keep this safe.
With this code, you can:
Call back to check on the status of the investigation.
Provide follow-up information.
Enquire about reward eligibility (if applicable).
SAPS guarantees confidentiality — even during the investigation — as long as you choose to remain anonymous.
Rewards for Reporting
In some cases, anonymous tip-offs that lead to arrests or convictions may result in cash rewards. These are managed discreetly and do not require personal identification.
For more information on rewards and case outcomes, contact the Crime Stop call centre using your unique code.
Check also: How to Report Discrimination in Government Services: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crime reporting should never place the reporter at risk. South Africa’s anonymous reporting infrastructure allows citizens to play a proactive role in crime prevention without fear of exposure. Whether you’re reporting a domestic crime, corruption, child abuse, or cyber threats, secure platforms like Crime Stop, MySAPS, and the iER App make it easier than ever to be part of the solution.
Remember, your silence protects the criminal. Your anonymous voice could protect a life.
