• 10111 is the number that you must use in case of a police emergency.
NB: IN THE CASE OF ANY EMERGENCY WHICH REQUIRES POLICE ASSISTANCE PLEASE ALWAYS PHONE THIS NUMBER AND NOT THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. 1011 WILL DESPATCH THE NEAREST SAPS VEHICLE TO THE SCENE AND THE RESPONSE TIME WILL BE FASTER.
• Never make a prank call to the emergency number 10111, as it will engage the line.
• A prank call to the emergency number 10111 might block a call of someone who is really in need of police assistance.
• For general enquiries, phone your nearest police station.
• Always have the number of your local police station available, or learn it by heart.
• All police stations' numbers are available on the SAPS website at www.saps.gov.za
BASIC HINTS
For fast, efficient response, follow these basic guidelines:
• Use the 10 111 emergency number ONLY in case of police emergency.
• Educate your children about the consequences or making prank calls on the 10111 emergency number. Such a call could engage the telephone line, thereby blocking the call of a person caught in a life threatening situation and in need of police assistance.
• Complaints of less serious nature can be telephoned directly to your nearest police station.
• Do not call the 10 111 emergency number for general enquiries - call your nearest police station instead.
• Remain calm when making an emergency call, and speak clearly while giving the following information:
-Your name and address
-Your telephone number, if requested
-The nearest street corner closest to where the incident occurred
-Other useful information such as the number of suspects a description of the suspect (Section), whether or not the suspects are/were armed and the direction in which they fled, if available.
Try to keep the conversation as brief as possible. However, the person taking the call requires information about the emergency to ensure your safety and speedy response by the police.
Other useful hints
Ensure that your street number is large and visible from the street. Street names should be visible, if not notify your local authority as soon as possible.
SAPS CRIME STOP 08600 10111
• If you know of criminal activities that are taking place, phone SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111.
• The Crime Stop centre operates seven days a week, 24-hours a day. Phone 08600 10111 to report criminals and their criminal activities. As soon as information of this kind is received, it is channelled to investigating officers at the Detective Service.
• You do not have to give your name when you are reporting a crime through SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111.
