Gauteng officially launches e-Panic Button

The Gauteng provincial government has launched an e-Panic Button as part of a broader strategy to fight crime.

The e-Panic Button will allow users to instantly alert emergency services and law enforcement at the touch of a button, ensuring quick response in times of distress.

The province said that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to leverage technology in crime prevention and ensure the safety of citizens.

Since the pilot project launched in April 2023, it has seen 8,000 downloads, primarily from nurses and teachers. The aim is to distribute 100,000 physical buttons to the public.

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 MEC for Community Safety Faith 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.

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