Don’t abuse 10111 number, use it responsibly

The SAPS is pleading with community members to stop abusing the 10111 emergency line.

“We are the South African Police Service front liners who are committed to every citizen’s safety as per our core function,” said Capt Pinky Tsinyane, on behalf of the SAPS.

“We are serving an estimated 14.7 million people in Gauteng.

“It is in this regard that we say all communities, especially children, should be educated about the importance of the 10111 emergency line.”

Tsinyane added that 10111 is receiving a high volume of abusive, hoax and prank calls made by both children and adults.

“This type of behaviour is making it difficult for the public who need police assistance urgently to get help.

“The SAPS condemns such behaviour because it may even cost lives,” Tsinyane said.

“When the public calls the emergency number responsibly lives will be saved, more crimes will be prevented and more suspects will be arrested.”

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At the Gauteng 10111 Command Centre, staff are on duty 24-hours a day.

People should only call the 10111 emergency line when they are in danger (life-threatening situation), witness a crime or see something suspicious or someone possibly committing an offence.

“Our call operators and call dispatchers will ensure that every complaint is registered and dispatched to be attended to.

“We have also realised there are people who call the emergency line several times a day to report the same incident,” said Tsinyane.

“It is a crime to abuse 10111.

“Use it responsibly.

“When you call the emergency number, try to be calm, speak clearly and slowly for the telephone operator to assist you quickly, give the telephone operator your contact number, full address where the incident is happening and the type of incident and, if possible, provide the description of the nearest landmarks, such as a post office, shops or clinic, especially where there are no proper addresses.

“Our members will attend to all the complaints as soon as possible.”

Tsinyane added that when the police follow-up some of the calls made from the same number numerous times, parents inform them their child was playing with the phone.

“As a responsible citizen, we should not let our children play with the phone by calling 10111 emergency lines.

“Everyone should call 10111 to be and feel safe, but let us not abuse it,” Tsinyane said.