SA App provides tools against kidnappings and crime in SA

Kidnapping for ransom, and express kidnappings have increased exponentially in South Africa in the past two years. 

Express Kidnapping is where victims are kidnapped for short periods where they are forced to withdraw or transfer funds from their bank accounts representing approximately 80% of kidnapping incidents in Gauteng alone.

Between January and March this year 4571 cases of kidnapping were reported in the country. 

52% of kidnapping cases nationally were reported in Gauteng, with the province recording 2414 cases in the first three months of the year with an annual increase of 15,8%

But there are ways to safeguard against this growing trend of kidnappings. 

Launched in 2023, the SaferCity Panic App combines advanced technology solutions to provide a mobile, smart watch or remote panic button that when triggered will deploy private security or even medical response to your location within five to eight minutes. 

SaferCity CEO Theo Pouroullis said the concept is more than just a panic button, but a holistic crime fighting tool which intends to bridge the gap between reporting crimes, providing crucial data for crime trends across the country as well as allowing citizens to ensure loved ones are safe at all times. 

“SaferCity Solutions provides access to over 4,000 armed response vehicles and 850 ambulances across South Africa. It has partnered with over 500 Community Policing Forums (CPFs) across Gauteng, Limpopo, KZN and the Eastern Cape, bringing corporates into a powerful, tech-driven safety ecosystem. When your institution subscribes, we re-invest in your chosen CPF by funding critical technology like AI and CCTV to enhance local crime prevention.” 

When it comes to subscription SaferCity provides three cost-effective plans.