Emergency contact numbers in South Africa
Here’s a comprehensive and well-formatted list of key emergency contact numbers in South Africa, designed for quick reference and ease of use:
June 21, 2025 10:12
🚨 National Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Police (SAPS) | 10111 | Crime reporting, immediate police assistance |
| Ambulance (EMS) | 10177 | Public ambulance services |
| Fire Services | 10177* | Fire emergencies (via EMS hotline) |
| General Emergency (Cell phones) | 112 | Central emergency number routing to police, fire, or ambulance |
*Note: Fire is reached via the EMS line, 10177.
📞 Alternative National Helplines
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Crime Stop (anonymous tip-offs): 08600 10111
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Poison Information Centre: 0861 555 777
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Childline (child abuse/hotline): 116
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Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393
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Gender-Based Violence Command Centre: 0800 428 428
🏥 Essential Support Services
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Netcare 911 (Private Ambulance): 911
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Emergency Eskom Power Outages: 08600 37566
🏙️ City-Specific Emergency Contacts
Johannesburg
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EMS & Fire (Central/Randburg/Midrand): 011 375 5911
Ekurhuleni
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Life-threatening emergencies: 011 458 0911
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EMS (Gauteng): 011 564 2210–11
Cape Town & Western Cape
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Landline general emergency: 107
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Mobile general emergency: 112
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Metro ambulance & fire: 021 535 1100
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City Emergency (non-urgent municipal): 021 480 7700
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Table Mountain NP Emergencies: 086 110 6417
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Sea & Mountain Rescue: 021 937 0300 capetown.travel
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National Sea Rescue Institute: 087 094 9774 capetown.travel
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Baboon Monitors (Cape specific): 071 588 6540 capetown.travel
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Shark Spotters (beach safety): 078 174 4244 capetown.travel
🛠️ Other Useful Helplines
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AA (Automobile Association) Helpline: 0861 435 722
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Childline National Office (support): 031 201 2059
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Save to contacts using labels like "Police – 10111" or "EMS – 10177" for instant access.
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On mobile phones: Remember dialing 112 connects you to all emergency services, even without airtime.
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Stay calm: Be prepared to give clear details—your location, nature of the incident, number of people involved.
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Know the service: Use the right number—medical emergencies go to EMS (10177), only call police (10111) for law enforcement.
