🚨 Emergency & Safety Contacts
Free, always-available numbers and what to do if it happens to you — hijacking, home invasion, mugging, violence or fraud.
Real public-safety resources for South Africa. Keep this page or save these numbers on your phone now — seconds matter.
📞 Emergency — call first
| SAPS (police) — Emergencies From any phone; free from public phones. |
10111 |
| SAPS — Crime Stop (report crime/tipline) Report crime info anonymously, 24/7. |
08600 10111 |
| Netcare 911 — Private ambulance Private medical response; dial from a mobile. |
082 911 |
| ER24 — Private ambulance Private medical response across SA. |
084 124 |
| National Emergency Number Works on any mobile network even with low coverage; connects to the closest emergency service. |
112 |
🕯️ Gender-based violence & child safety
| GBV Command Centre (open 24/7) Free gender-based-violence helpline: abuse, rape, family violence support. |
0800 428 428 |
| *120 7867 (from a cellphone) GBV Command Centre SMS/USSD line. |
*120 7867# |
| Lifeline 24hr crisis line Emotional support and referrals after trauma or violence. |
0861 322 322 |
| Childline South Africa (24hr) Children in danger or distress; also adults reporting child abuse. |
0800 055 555 |
| SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection & Sexual Offences unit Ask for the FCS unit at your local station. |
via 10111 |
🛡️ Fraud & banking emergencies
| SAPS — report fraud For urgent crime in progress; otherwise visit your nearest station. |
10111 |
| SA Fraud Prevention Services Report business/consumer fraud (SAFPS affiliate). |
0800 101 248 |
| GIA (General Investigations Agency) Independent fraud recovery assistance. |
0800 212 231 |
| Banks — report quickly If your card/banking app is compromised, phone your bank immediately to block it. |
contact your bank |
| South African Revenue Service (SARS) fraud line Report tax / identity fraud involving your SARS profile. |
(012) 452 2131 |
| National Consumer Commission Consumer complaints about goods/services. |
(012) 428 7000 |
🧾 After something happened
| Keep criminal evidence safe Screenshot messages, save transfers, note dates — evidence strengthens your case. |
photos + statements |
| Case number Every SAPS case gets a number; keep it. Ask for an OB (occurrence book) number. |
get one at the station |
| Victim support / SAPS Victim Friendly Facilities Many stations have trained victim support; request it. |
ask at station |
🛡️ If it happens right now
- Your safety first. Dial 10111 (SAPS) or 112 from any cellphone. Don't resist attackers — belongings are replaceable.
- Afterwards: get to a safe public place, get a case/OB number, and tell one trusted person where the both of you are.
- Fraud: the faster you phone your bank, the better your chance of reversing a transfer or SIM-swap theft.
- These lines are free. Save them before you need them.
Educational reference only — in an emergency, always contact the police (10111/112) directly. Numbers may change; confirm with the service if in doubt.