The South African Police Service (SAPS) is pleading with all community members to stop abusing the 10111 emergency lines.
Provincial SAPS spokesperson, Capt Pinky Tsunyane, said all communities, especially children, should be educated about the importance of the 10111 emergency line.
“We are receiving a high volume of abusive, hoax and prank calls that are made by both children and adults.
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“This type of behaviour is making it difficult for the public who need police assistance urgently to get help,” said Tsunyane.
According to SAPS, such behaviour may cost lives.
Tsunyane said when the public calls the emergency number responsibly, lives will be saved.
More crimes will be prevented and more suspects will be arrested.
10111 is a 24-hour emergency line.
The public is urged to take precautions to only call the number when:
• In a life-threatening situation,
• witnessing a crime,
• see something suspicious or someone possibly committing a crime.
According to Tsunyane, call operators and call dispatchers will ensure that every complaint is registered and dispatched to be attended.
“We have realised that there are people who would call the emergency line several times a day to report the same incident,” said Tsunyane
“It is a crime to abuse 10111, use it responsibly.”
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The public is urged to try and remain calm when calling the emergency line.
Speak clearly and slowly so that the operator can assist faster.
Give the telephone operator your contact details, the full address where the incident is happening and the type of incident.
If possible, provide the description of the nearest landmarks such as post office, shops or clinic where there are no proper addresses.
“Our members will attend to all the complaints as soon as possible.”
Tsunyane urged parents to not let children play with the phone as they end up calling the 10111 emergency lines.
