Sanelisiwe Mabaso

Technology is transforming the fight against crime.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently introduced the My SAPS App to residents in uMlazi, south-west of Durban.

The App allows users to report crimes, find the nearest police station and leave anonymous tip-offs.

Screenshot of the My SAPS App on Google Play Store

Rudi Matjokana, Managing Executive of Enterprises at Vodacom said the App was created to improve the safety of South African Citizens. Vodacom worked in collaboration with SAPS to develop the free application. The mobile network officially launched the App on Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store on the 11th of October.

“It is a seamless approach for citizens to engage with the police but also to take care of their own safety,” said Matjokana.

The App, which is available for both Android and IOS, will also allow the user to take pictures and videos of crime and share them with police via the App.

Residents of Umlazi are hopeful the App can help decrease crime in the Township. Siyanda Mhlongo, who lives in Umlazi, believes the App could potentially fight crime rates in his neighborhood.

“If I can report a crime easily using my phone, then I can get in contact with police quickly and they can get the criminals quickly, hopefully, this will help us win the fight against thieves in our community,” he said.