Emergency numbers in South Africa
Police, ambulance and fire numbers for South Africa, plus whether 112 and 911 work from a mobile phone. Last checked October 22, 2026.
All emergency numbers in South Africa
| Single emergency number | — |
| Police | 10111 |
| Ambulance / medical | 10177 |
| Fire & rescue | — |
Also useful: Cape Town 107; 112 from mobiles
Do 112 and 911 work in South Africa?
- 112: Yes — 112 connects from mobile phones.
- 911: Not confirmed — do not rely on 911 here.
On GSM mobile networks, 112 can often be dialled even without a SIM card or with the keypad locked, and is routed to the local service where supported. Behaviour varies by network and handset, so memorise the local number before you travel.
What to say when you call
- Where you are — address, landmark, or GPS coordinates from your phone's map app.
- What happened and how many people are hurt.
- Your phone number in case the call drops.
- Stay on the line and follow instructions. Don't hang up until told to.
If you don't speak the local language, say “ambulance”, “police” or “fire” clearly, then your location; many centres can bring in an interpreter. Carry our emergency phrase card.
FAQ
What is the emergency number in South Africa?
The main emergency number in South Africa is 10177. Police: 10111. Ambulance: 10177.
Does 112 work in South Africa?
Yes, 112 is reported to connect from mobile phones.
Does 911 work in South Africa?
911 is not confirmed to work in South Africa. Use the local numbers listed.
Source: public emergency-number listings and national authorities, checked October 22, 2026. Numbers can change — if you spot an error, report it here. 91112.com is not an emergency service.