Gauteng’s e-Panic Button Sees Over 51,000 Emergency Calls, Proving Effective in Crime Prevention

Gauteng’s e-Government MEC, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, has lauded the e-Panic Button as a crucial tool in improving safety and emergency response efficiency.

More than 51,000 Gauteng residents have used the province’s innovative e-Panic Button to call for urgent assistance in emergencies since its launch in April 2024. The e-Government Department reports that the crime-fighting and emergency response tool has been downloaded over 100,000 times, reflecting its growing popularity and impact on community safety.

High Usage Across Gauteng’s Regions

The most commonly reported incidents where the e-Panic Button has been instrumental include motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian-related accidents, assaults, shootings, and sexual offences. Among Gauteng’s regions, Johannesburg leads with over 21,000 emergency callouts, followed by Ekurhuleni with over 11,000, and Tshwane with more than 10,000 reported incidents. The system has also recorded an increase in calls related to missing persons, which often involve suspected kidnapping cases.

Government Commends the e-Panic Button’s Impact

Gauteng’s e-Government MEC, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, has lauded the e-Panic Button as a crucial tool in improving safety and emergency response efficiency.

“It is without a doubt that the e-Panic Button is making a significant difference in our communities. Its effectiveness is evident as more residents download and use it during critical situations. Our response teams are always prepared to assist, with an impressive turnaround time of 7 to 10 minutes for deploying ambulances or armed security response teams,” Dhlamini stated.

How to Access and Use the e-Panic Button

The e-Panic Button is available for download on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Residents who have already downloaded the app are encouraged to utilize it during emergencies to receive immediate assistance from the province’s command centre.

“This initiative ensures that help is just a click away, significantly enhancing safety for Gauteng residents. We urge more people to download and use the e-Panic Button so that we can continue to make our communities safer,” the department emphasized.

The Gauteng e-Panic Button continues to prove its worth as an essential tool in emergency response, saving lives and reducing crime across the province.