List of Emmergency Contact Numbers in South Africa

In South Africa, prompt access to the right contact information is crucial in emergencies where every second counts. This guide offers an exhaustive list of emergency numbers to be stored in your phone, accompanied by essential details to know before making a call.

Remember: South Africa does not have a single emergency number for all situations; different emergencies require different contacts.

Before You Call: Before dialing any emergency number during a crisis, ensure you have the following information ready:

1. Specific Location Details:
   • Provide the exact address or landmarks near the incident for quick location by emergency personnel.
2. Incident Details:
   • Clearly and calmly describe the situation, including the nature of the emergency, the number of people involved, and any immediate dangers.
3. Contact Information:
   • Provide your name and phone number; keep the line open until help arrives.
4. Suspect/Vehicle Details (if applicable):
   • In crime-related situations, provide descriptions of suspects or vehicle details, including registration number, make, model, and color.
5. Patient Information (if applicable):
   • In medical emergencies, report the patient’s breathing and consciousness status and describe any injuries sustained.

Important: Never hang up unless instructed to do so by the operator.

Primary Emergency Numbers:

• South African Police Service (SAPS): 10111
• Military Police Crime Line: 0800 567 567
• Ambulance: 10177
• Cell Phone Emergency: 112 (Works on all mobile networks, connecting you to the appropriate emergency service.)
• Firearm Call Centre: 012 353 6111

Fire Emergencies: South Africa’s Fire Services play a crucial role in firefighting and rescue. Here are essential numbers:

• National Fire Brigade: 10111
• Disaster Management Center: 012 848 4602

Other numbers you may need

Automobile Association Rescue
080 001 0101Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital

011 488 4911

Steve Biko Academic Hospital
012 354 1000

Unitas Hospital – Gauteng

012 677 8000

Melomed Mitchells Plain

021 392 3126

Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital

021 377 4300

Hospital Cairn Hall
051 522 3805

Durban General Hospital 
031 332 2111

Medi Clinic
021 461 1124
012 807 0019
051 433 1272
031 300 3911
011 709 2000

Poison Centre 
021 931 6129 – Tygerberg

021 689 5227 – Red Cross
080 033 3444 – KZN
082 491 0160 – Bloemfontein

Serious and violent crimes unit (Murder and Robbery)
011 986 9000 – Johannesburg
012 358 7095 – Tshwane
086 001 0111 – Crime Stop

Mountain Rescue
031 307 7744  – KZN

021 948 9900 – Western Cape

074 125 1385/074 163 3952 – Gauteng

Sea Rescue – NSRI 

General from cellphone: 112
021 449 3500 – Cape Town
031 372 011 – Durban

Tourism Helpline
083 123 6789

LifeLine 

0861-322-322

Child Helpline 
080 005 5555

Child Abuse Unit 
011 481 5118 – Johannesburg
051 447 9808 – Bloemfontein
031 307 7000 – KZN
012 334 4365 – Pretoria


POWA (People Abusing Women Abuse)
011 642 4345 – Johannesburg (Main Office)

081 383 7698 – Evaton

011 933 2333/2310 – Soweto

011 905 211 – Katlehong

011 906 4259 / 1792 – Vosloorus

CT Women Centre (Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children)
021 633 5287

CT Rape Crisis
021 447 9762

Welfare

011 452 4110

NICRO (National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders)

021 462 0017 – Head Office

Islamic Helpline
011 838 6085

011 854 7242

Gender Abuse Helpline

0800 150 150

Alcoholics Anonymous 
0861 HELP AA (435-722)

SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism)

011 892 3475

011 892 3139