Stay Safe: Gauteng Launches e-Panic App for Quick Emergency Alerts
The Gauteng Provincial Government has introduced the Gauteng e-Panic Button app, a free emergency response tool designed to enhance safety across the province. Launched in April 2024, this innovative app provides residents with instant access to emergency services at the tap of a button, aiming to combat crime and support victims of domestic violence effectively.
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What is the Gauteng e-Panic Button?
The Gauteng e-Panic Button is a mobile application available on both Android and iOS platforms. It connects users directly to a network of private armed response and medical emergency services. The app also offers a physical panic button device for those without smartphones, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
Users can quickly alert emergency responders during incidents such as motor vehicle accidents, assaults, shootings, and sexual offences. Since its launch, more than 51,000 residents have used the app to call for help, demonstrating its vital role in emergency situations.
How to Download and Register
Downloading the app is straightforward and free of charge. Residents can find the app by searching “Gauteng Panic Button” on Google Play or the Apple App Store. The app features a distinctive blue icon labelled “Crime Prevention Panic Button Gauteng”.
To register, users must:
- Install and open the app
- Enter their phone number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP)
- Input the OTP to verify their number
- Complete their profile by providing their name, surname, phone number, and optionally, an email address
- Accept the terms and conditions to finalise registration
Impact and Usage Statistics
The app has been downloaded over 100,000 times since its launch, with Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane recording the highest number of emergency callouts. Johannesburg alone accounts for more than 21,000 calls, followed by Ekurhuleni with over 11,000, and Tshwane with over 10,000.
The app has also helped address cases involving missing persons and kidnappings, highlighting its expanding role in public safety.
Safety and Fraud Prevention
The Gauteng Department of e-Government has issued warnings about scams related to the e-Panic Button app. Some individuals have been fraudulently charging residents to download the free app, particularly in areas like Mamelodi. The government emphasises that the app is completely free, and residents should not pay anyone for assistance with downloading or registration.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the app. The department assures that legal action will be taken against those committing fraud.
Government Commitment to Safety
Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini have both highlighted the e-Panic Button as a key technological advancement in Gauteng’s fight against crime. The app forms part of a broader strategy to use technology to improve safety and security for all residents.
MEC Dhlamini stated, “The Gauteng Panic Button is a testament to the progress made by the provincial government to create a safer environment for everyone in the province. By downloading and using this app, you can protect yourself and your loved ones in times of emergency”.
Safety for Residents
The Gauteng e-Panic Button app is a vital, accessible tool empowering residents to summon emergency help quickly and efficiently. Its widespread adoption and success in aiding thousands of emergencies underscore its importance in the province’s safety infrastructure. Residents are urged to download the app, register promptly, and remain alert to potential scams to fully benefit from this free government service.