By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
In efforts to fight crime in Gauteng, MEC for community safety Faith Mazibuko launched an e-panic button during the crime Imbizo at Boitumelo Secondary School in Sebokeng.
The e-Panic Button is an innovative technological solution designed to enhance the safety of Gauteng residents.
It allows users to instantly alert emergency services and law enforcement at the touch of a button, ensuring rapid response in times of distress. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to leverage technology in crime prevention and ensure the safety of citizens.
Since April 2023, the Gauteng e-Panic Button pilot project has seen an impressive 8,000 downloads, primarily by nurses and teachers, and moving forward, 100,000 physical panic buttons will be distributed to the public.
MEC for the Gauteng Department of e-Government and COGTA, Mzi Khumalo, emphasized the importance of community involvement and technological advancement in combating crime.
“The Gauteng e-Panic Button is more than just a piece of technology; it is a symbol of our commitment to protect our citizens. By empowering communities with such tools, we are fostering a collaborative approach to safety and security,” said Khumalo.
Residents with smartphones will be able to download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store.
“Safety is a shared responsibility. We need the community to be actively involved in these initiatives, to be the eyes and ears on the ground. The e-Panic Button is a crucial step forward, but its success depends on the community’s engagement and trust,” said Mazibuko.
The province said that the panic button received widespread support from residents during a Crime Imbizo in Sebokeng.
The e-Panic Button is set to be rolled out across the province with training sessions planned to ensure that residents know how to use it.
Reviews on the Google Play Store tell a different story, with an average rating of 4.3 out of five across 88 reviews. Android users appear to be liking the app based on the reviews.