Peter MokoenaNo one should have to tolerate harassment, threats, or abuse over the phone. Yet thousands of South Africans receive unwanted calls and messages every day, from persistent spam to deeply disturbing threats. If you are being targeted, you need to act quickly and decisively to protect your peace of mind and your safety.
The good news is that MTN South Africa provides several effective ways to block unwanted numbers, ranging from simple smartphone tools to powerful third-party apps designed specifically for dealing with harassment. This guide walks you through every option, from the quickest fixes to the most comprehensive protection available.
Whether you are dealing with a persistent ex-partner, a bullying colleague, a scammer, or someone making criminal threats, you have the power to stop them from reaching you. Here is exactly how to do it.
Why You Might Need To Block A Number
Being harassed or threatened by phone is a deeply unsettling experience. The constant buzzing of your phone can create anxiety every time you hear a notification. You might find yourself avoiding your own phone, dreading what message might appear next.
Blocking the offending number is often the first and most effective step you can take. It immediately cuts off the harasser’s primary channel of contact. It sends a clear message that their behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. And it gives you back control over your own device and your own peace of mind.
For serious threats involving violence, stalking, or criminal behaviour, blocking the number should be accompanied by reporting the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Keep all messages, call logs, and voicemails as evidence. Your safety is the priority.
Method 1: Block Directly On Your Smartphone
The simplest and fastest way to block a harassing number is to use the built-in blocking feature on your phone. Both Android and iOS devices have this capability, and it takes only a few seconds.
For Android phones: Open your Phone app and go to the call log or recent calls list. Find the number that is harassing you. Tap and hold on the number, or tap the “i” information icon next to it. Look for an option that says “Block,” “Block number,” or “Reject call.” Tap this option and confirm your selection. The number will now be blocked from calling you. Most Android phones also automatically block SMS messages from blocked numbers, though this varies by manufacturer.
For iPhones: Open the Phone app and tap on the Recents tab. Find the number you want to block and tap the “i” information icon next to it. Scroll down and tap “Block this Caller.” Confirm your choice. The number will no longer be able to call, message, or FaceTime you.
This method works immediately and is completely free. The blocked caller will not be notified that they have been blocked. Their calls will go straight to voicemail (or simply ring without reaching you), and their messages will disappear into a blocked folder that you never have to see.
However, this method has a limitation. If the harasser uses multiple numbers or switches to a new number, you will need to block each new number individually. For persistent harassers, this can become exhausting.
Method 2: Use Third-Party Blocking Apps For Advanced Protection
When the built-in blocking feature is not enough, third-party apps offer powerful additional tools. These apps are specifically designed to identify and block spam, scam, and harassing calls. They can automatically detect and block known harassment numbers, even if you have never received a call from them before.
Here are the most effective call-blocking apps available in South Africa.
Truecaller
Truecaller is the most popular call-blocking app in South Africa, and for good reason. It maintains a massive, community-driven database of spam and harassment numbers. When a known harasser calls you, Truecaller identifies the number in real time and can automatically block it before your phone even rings.
Truecaller offers a free version with basic blocking features. The premium version adds advanced functionality, including the ability to see who is calling even if the number is not saved in your contacts, automatic blocking of all spam and harassment calls, and a “Ghost Call” feature that lets you fake an incoming call to escape an uncomfortable situation. The premium version costs a small monthly or annual fee.
Truecaller is available for both Android and iOS from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Call Control
Call Control is another highly effective blocking app that focuses specifically on nuisance calls. It uses crowd-sourced data to identify spam and harassment numbers. The app allows you to block entire area codes or specific number patterns, which is useful if a harasser is using multiple numbers from the same range.
Call Control also offers a “Community Block List” feature, where numbers blocked by many users are automatically blocked for everyone. This means you benefit from the experiences of other South Africans who have been targeted by the same harassers.
Call Control is available for Android and iOS.
Mr. Number
Mr. Number is a dedicated call and SMS blocking app that offers granular control over who can contact you. You can block calls from specific numbers, from numbers not in your contacts, or from numbers that have been reported as spam by other users.
One particularly useful feature for harassment situations is the ability to block all calls and messages from numbers that are not in your contact list. This effectively creates a whitelist: only people you have explicitly saved can reach you. Everyone else goes straight to voicemail or is blocked entirely.
Mr. Number is available for Android and iOS.
Should I Answer?
Should I Answer is a simple but powerful app that focuses on one thing: telling you whether an incoming call is likely spam or harassment before you answer. The app displays a red, yellow, or green indicator based on community reports. You can choose to automatically block red-rated calls.
This app is excellent for users who do not want to block numbers entirely but want to make informed decisions about which calls to answer.
Should I Answer is available for Android only.
How To Set Up Third-Party Blocking Apps
Setting up a call-blocking app is straightforward. Follow these general steps.
Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) and search for the app you want, such as Truecaller.
Step 2: Download and install the app.
Step 3: Open the app and grant the necessary permissions. The app will ask for access to your contacts, call logs, and phone status. These permissions are required for the app to identify and block calls effectively.
Step 4: Follow the in-app setup wizard. Most apps will automatically enable call blocking and show you a list of recently blocked numbers.
Step 5: Customise your settings. You can choose to block all spam calls, only block specific numbers, or enable a whitelist mode that only allows calls from your contacts.
Step 6: Test the app by having a friend call you from a number you have blocked. The call should be rejected or sent to voicemail.
Once set up, these apps work silently in the background, protecting you without requiring constant attention.
Method 3: Report The Number To MTN
If the harassment is severe or involves criminal threats, you should also report the number directly to MTN. While MTN cannot disclose customer information to you for privacy reasons, they can investigate the account and take action against the harasser if the behaviour violates their terms of service.
To report a harassing number to MTN, dial 135 from your MTN phone (free) or 083 135 from any other phone. Explain the situation to the customer care agent. Provide the offending phone number, the dates and times of the harassment, and any evidence you have (such as screenshots of threatening messages). MTN will escalate the matter to their security or legal team for investigation.
If the harasser is an MTN customer and is found to be violating MTN’s acceptable use policy, MTN can warn them, suspend their service, or even terminate their contract. For serious criminal threats, MTN will also cooperate with law enforcement.
Method 4: Block Your SIM Card As A Last Resort
In extreme cases where you are being relentlessly harassed and the harasser somehow keeps finding ways to reach you through your number, you may need to change your number entirely. This is a drastic step, but for victims of stalking or severe harassment, it may be the only way to fully break contact.
To change your MTN number, visit any MTN store with your ID. Explain that you need a new number due to harassment. MTN can issue you a new SIM card with a different phone number. You will lose your old number, which may be inconvenient, but you will also lose the harasser.
Before taking this step, ensure you have updated all your important contacts, banks, and services with your new number. You do not want to lose access to essential accounts in the process.
What To Do If The Harassment Continues
Blocking a number is highly effective, but determined harassers may use multiple numbers or hide their caller ID. If you continue to receive unwanted contact after blocking, take these additional steps.
Do not engage. Responding to a harasser, even to tell them to stop, often encourages them. Block the number and move on without responding.
Document everything. Keep screenshots of messages, a log of call times, and any voicemails. This evidence is crucial if you decide to involve the police.
Report to the police. If the harassment involves threats of violence, stalking, or any criminal behaviour, report the matter to SAPS. Bring your documentation. Obtain a case number.
Consider a protection order. If the harasser is someone you know (an ex-partner, a neighbour, a colleague), you may be able to apply for a protection order at your local magistrate’s court. This is a legal document that prohibits the harasser from contacting you. Violating a protection order is a criminal offence.
Protect your privacy. Review your social media settings. Ensure your phone number is not publicly visible. Be careful about who you share your number with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can MTN block a number for me?
MTN does not have a service that blocks specific numbers at the network level for individual customers. The blocking must be done on your phone or through third-party apps. However, MTN can investigate and take action against harassers who are MTN customers.
Will the harasser know I blocked them?
No. Neither MTN nor your phone notifies the blocked caller. They will simply get a busy signal, be sent to voicemail, or their calls will ring without reaching you. Many harassers eventually give up when they realise they cannot get through.
What if the harasser uses a hidden or private number?
If the caller ID is blocked or shows “Private Number,” you can enable a setting on your phone to reject all calls from unknown or hidden numbers. On Android, look for “Block anonymous calls” in your Phone app settings. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Phone, then enable “Silence Unknown Callers.”
Can I block a number from sending SMS?
Yes. On most phones, blocking a number blocks both calls and SMS. On Android, you may need to separately block the number in your Messages app. On iPhone, blocking a caller in the Phone app also blocks their iMessages and SMS.
Are third-party blocking apps safe?
Reputable apps like Truecaller, Call Control, and Mr. Number are safe to use. However, they do require access to your contacts and call logs to function. Read the privacy policy before installing. Avoid apps that ask for unnecessary permissions or that have poor user reviews.
What is the MTN customer care number?
From another MTN phone, dial 135 for free. From any other phone, dial 083 135. Standard call rates apply.
Conclusion
Being harassed or threatened over the phone is never acceptable. You have the right to feel safe in your own home, on your own phone, and in your own life. Blocking the offending number is often the first and most powerful step you can take to reclaim that safety.
Start with the simplest method: block the number directly on your smartphone. It takes seconds and works immediately. If the harassment persists or comes from multiple numbers, install a third-party app like Truecaller or Call Control. These apps provide advanced protection, automatically blocking known harassment numbers before they ever reach you.
For serious threats, do not stop at blocking. Report the number to MTN. Report the behaviour to SAPS. Consider a protection order. Change your number if necessary. And most importantly, do not engage with the harasser. Every response, even a negative one, can fuel their behaviour.
You are not alone. Thousands of South Africans have successfully stopped harassment using these same tools. Take action today. Block the number. Install the app. Report the behaviour. And take back control of your peace of mind.