Receiving Threatening Messages in South Africa — What to Do
Threatening someone is a criminal offence under the Intimidation Act. If you are receiving threats by phone, WhatsApp, or in person, here is exactly what to do right now.
FreeSouth African Law2 related guides
If you believe the threat is immediate, call 10111 now.
Your safety comes first. Legal steps can follow — but get to a safe place first.
Direct Answer
Sending a threatening message or making a verbal threat is a criminal offence under the Intimidation Act 72 of 1982. You can open a criminal case at any police station and apply for a protection order at the Magistrate's Court if the threat comes from someone known to you. Screenshot and preserve all threatening messages immediately.
The law above is general — your case may be different
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“Any person who threatens another person or his property with violence commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment.”
Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011
Section 2
“A person who is subjected to harassment may apply to a Magistrate's Court for a protection order prohibiting the harasser from engaging in the harassing conduct.”
Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020
Section 14
“Any person who unlawfully and intentionally sends a data message that threatens a person with violence commits an offence.”
Immediate Steps
What to Do Right Now
1Screenshot everything immediately — threatening texts, WhatsApp messages, emails, voicenotes. Do not delete. Screenshot the contact name/number too.
2Do not respond to the threats. Any response can complicate your case and may provoke escalation.
3Open a criminal case at your nearest police station under the Intimidation Act and/or Cybercrimes Act. Bring your screenshots and a printed copy of the messages.
4Apply for a Protection Order at the Magistrate's Court under the Protection from Harassment Act. This is free and can be granted the same day as an interim order.
5If the threat is from a domestic partner, apply under the Domestic Violence Act instead — it gives additional protections including housing and custody provisions.
What to Say
Exact Words to Use
“"I have received the following threatening messages from [name/number] on [dates]. I am opening a case of intimidation under the Intimidation Act and the Cybercrimes Act and am simultaneously applying for a protection order under the Protection from Harassment Act."”
Tone: To the police at the charge office
Now practise saying it. The Advocate has a scenario that walks you through exactly this situation — phrase by phrase, with audio playback and a practice drill. Free to try.
No. A general threat of violence ("I will deal with you", "you will regret this") is sufficient for the Intimidation Act. The test is whether a reasonable person in your position would feel threatened. Courts take a broad view.
Get Help Now
Resources & Helplines
SAPS
10111
Emergency and to open a criminal case.
GBV Command Centre
0800 428 428
If threat is from a partner or family member.
Legal Aid SA
0800 110 110
Free legal help for protection order applications.
Knowing the law is step one. The Advocate trains you to use it — with 149 real South African scenarios, exact rebuttals, law references, and Scripture. Free to start.