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 eThekwini Emergency Response Call Centre

Metro Police, Fire and Disaster

• Call 24/7:  031  361 0000

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 Durban SPCA

• Email: Info@spcadbn.org.za

• Call: 031 579 6501

• Call after hours/emergency: 083 212 6103

####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

General reporting to eThekwini Municipality

•  Call: 080 311 1111

• Email: eservices@durban.gov.za​

• Twitter: @eThekwiniM

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.

Examples of crime 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

No Luck Reporting?

So now you are tearing your hair out! If you have tried reporting and you can't get through or your issue has still not been resolved, try contacting your local councillor to help. You can find out who that is here

If you have already contacted your councillor and still not having any luck, it's time to get organised! Click here to find out how.

Photograph: Roodepoort Record - Jarryd Westerdale