The IFP welcomes the initiative launched by Vodacom and the SAPS called MYSAPS app in KZN.
The IFP will always support any progressive initiative aimed at reducing crime in our Province. For the SAPS and Vodacom to launch such an initiative is a step in a right direction as crime is changing in the digital age because criminals in KZN have gone high tech in their activities. They use the ICT to break into people’s bank accounts withdraw money from peoples account and track movement of people, cars and rob them. More and more criminals are exploiting the speed, convenience and anonymity that modern technologies offer in order to commit a diverse range of criminal activities.
The police should now be able to speedily deal with new and emerging cybercrimes, whilst still addressing any other forms of criminal activities. We commend the partnership between the private sector and SAPS in coming up with strategies to eradicate crime. The IFP believes that the fight against crime is a collective responsibility not only for the police but for the private sector and the public at large as well. We urge other private companies and non-profit organisations to play their active role in solving other challenges that are facing our people on a daily basis.
We encourage citizens to make use of this App, as will enable them to partake in the effort to fight against crime digitally, by making it easier to contact the police or report a crime without needing to make a call or to physically go to the police station. We urge the police to ensure that people in rural areas are well informed about this App. We hope that this powerful new technology will provide a way for the police to operate and serve their communities more efficiently and effectively.
The IFP proposes that the SAPS should also consider using drones to fight crime. If SAPS do not adopt these technologies at the earliest, then the bad guys will outpace us. We believe that through the effective use of the drones, especially as an alternative to the much more expensive helicopters, that the SAPS is able to assist with public safety, and therefore it is important to make an investment in the area of surveillance. How soon SAPS can adopt it is something that only the policymakers can comment on because it is incumbent upon them to bring out reforms to eradicate crime.
We further urge the KZN Department of Community Safety and Liaison to also embark on educating people about this App.
The IFP believes that the fight against crime in KZN requires a cohesive and coordinated approach supported by strong ICT security system.
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Contact:
Mr Blessed Gwala MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Community Safety and Liaison
078 290 5842
Image Credit: Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp
