Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 09-11-2017

Social cohesion activist and crime fighter Yusuf Abramjee says the Namola app is the new weapon in the fight against crime in South Africa, using the future of technology to make the country safe for all its citizens.

Abramjee was speaking at the national launch of the Namola app at the SABC Radio studios in Auckland Park Johannesburg on Thursday.

The Namola app is supported by insurance company Dial Direct with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and Metro FM being the official media partners.

Abramjee says community safety groups including Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has given their full support for the initiative and the app.

“We’ve gone national, which means anywhere in South Africa when you are in an emergency, all you do is press one button, you are guaranteed a call back within 90 seconds. One app is not going to make South Africa safe. We need a number of initiatives, but I think this app will go a very long way to contribute to a safer South Africa.”

Abramjee says the app has dramatically speeded up response times by local police stations and the 10111 call centre.

“If police do not act speedily, we will hold the police to account. We know there are good policemen, we know there are useless policemen and through the app we will be able to hold the police to account.”

Abramjee says while 10111 is bogged down by delays and calls centre management problems, they will be working with the service to ensure better policing to keep South Africa safe.

The Namola app which is available for both Android and iOS devices free of charge, has been downloaded more than 84,000 times.

Twitter: @FaizelPatel143