Know who you can call in an emergency | Western Cape Government

Know who you can call in an emergency

In an emergency every second counts and it could mean the difference between life and death. Currently, there’s no single emergency number in South Africa so it’s very important for you to have the correct contact details handy for a speedy response to your specific emergency.

Before you call

Always make sure that it’s a real emergency before you call as tying up emergency lines could lead to the prolonged suffering or death of someone else.

When calling an emergency number, make sure that you have the following information ready:Specific details about the location (address) of the incident or potential patient. Provide landmarks if you can.

  • Specific details of the incident. Speak clearly and as calmly as you can to the person taking your call.
  • Specific details about the contact person (name and telephone number). Make sure that the telephone line remains available until emergency services arrive at the scene.
  • If applicable, a description of the suspect(s) and/or vehicle(s) involved.
  • In the case of a stolen motor vehicle, the registration number, make, model and colour are important during the initial report.
  • Where applicable, if the patient(s) involved in the incident is conscious and breathing, a description of the injuries sustained.

Depending on the nature of your emergency, you can call the appropriate emergency number below: Emergency numbers

Police Flying Squad 10111
Ambulance 10177
City of Cape Town General Emergency 107
Cell Phone Emergency 112 (MTN, Vodacom, Cell C and Telkom)
Fire and Rescue Services Please see your district municipality for emergency contact numbers.
Fire Departments

If you live in Cape Town, you can also contact the nearest City of Cape Town’s Fire Stations to report fire dangers.

  • City of Cape Town
Cell phone:021 480 7700
Landline: 107
  • Overberg
028 425 1690
  • West Coast
022 433 8700
  • Eden
044 805 5071
  • Central Karoo
023 414 2603
  • Cape Winelands
021 887 4446
Disaster Risk Management Centre 080 911 HELP (4357)
Lifeline 021 461 1113
Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape 0861 555 777
Childline 116
Sea Rescue  
  • Cape Town
021 449 3500
  • Saldahna
022 714 1726
  • Mossel Bay
044 604 6271
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) 087 094 9774
Wilderness Search & Rescue 021 937 0300
Electricity 0860 103 089
(City of Cape Town only)
Water (24 hours) 0860 103 089
(City of Cape Town only)
Safe Schools call centre 0800 454 647
Crime Stop 0860 010 111
Bureau for Missing Persons 021 918 3512 / 3449 / 3452
AIDS Helpline 0800 012 322
Animal Welfare 021 534 6426
SASSA Helpline 0800 601 011
Western Cape Government 0860 142 142 
(7:30am - 4pm,  Monday to Friday)

    AmbulanceOther relevant information: 

    The content on this page was last updated on 6 December 2023