Always ask for a reference number

Contact emergency services

• Emergencies Call 24/7 toll-free: 112 

• Police Call 24/7 toll-free: 10111

• Ambulance 24/7 toll-free: 10177

Contact the George Fire Brigade

• Emergencies Call 24/7: 044 801 6311

Contact the George Police Station

• Call:  0 44 803 4400 / 4733

Emergency Reporting

1. Describe the emergency (fire, injuries, accident, casualty, etc). 

2. Provide the exact location of the incident, including nearby landmarks and streets. 

3. Provide your name and number so emergency services can call you back. 

4. Do not hang up until you are told to.

Anonymously report criminal activities with Crime Stop

This number should not be used for police emergencies.

• Call: 08600 10111

• WhatsApp: 083 790 0659

Report animal abuse to the George SPCA

• Call: 044 878 1990 

• Emergency:  082 378 7384

• email:  admin@grspca.co.za

General Reporting to the George Municipality

• Call: 044 801 9111

• Email: gmun@george.gov.za

• Facebook: @george.municipality

• Twitter: @george_mun

Connect with your local community policing forum (CPF)

Community policing forums include police officers and community members who work together to fight crime, promote respect for human rights and improve relations between the police and the community

• Find your local CPF online: Community Policing Forums South Africa

Steps for successful reporting

1. Contact the relevant office to report the problem.  

2. Stay patient, be polite and always ask for a reference number.

3. Let your neighbourhood group know that you have reported the problem and share the reference number with the group.

4. Keep following up using your reference number. The more you and your neighbours follow up, the more likely it is to get fixed.

Crime reporting and safety concerns you can report

• Hijackings, assault, housebreaking and other criminal activities

• Emergencies that require firefighter or rescue services 

• Fire hazards

• Suspected bombs or explosives

• Non-functional or broken streetlights

• Overgrown grass that poses a safety risk

• Broken CCTV cameras 

• Lack of accountability by the police

• Corruption in the police service

• Lack of resources or infrastructure affecting policing in the community

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.

Photograph: Roodepoort Record - Jarryd Westerdale