South African Police Emergency Number Staff on National Strike

South Africans have been advised that certain 10111 Call Centre staff will be embarking on a nationwide strike from today, Wednesday 19 July.

This may result in limited service delivery to anyone seeking SAPS (South African Police Services) assistance, and members of the public are advised to call your nearest Police Station if you are getting no response from 10111. Numbers are available on SAPS website or directory Enquiries.

SAPS Head Office said: “We are aware of strike action by Public Service Act employees attached to 10111 Centre’s nationwide – it is a protected strike and “no work no pay” applies.

“Contingency plans have already been implemented & functional police members will perform duties at the 10111 centres countrywide.

“This is an essential service and there is a Constitutional imperative to ensure that essential services are provided to our communities.”

South Africa’s emergency number service has recently come under fire for being confusing. While the US has 911, the UK 999 and Europe 112 – all of which are free calls from landlines or mobiles – South Africa’s emergency number is NOT free from mobile phones… and there are (usually, when not on strike) at least three emergency numbers to select from: 10111, 1017 and 112. (Read more about South Africa’s confusing emergency numbers.)