You can now report crime through the South African Police’s new app

Vodacom and the South African Police Service (SAPS) are launching a new app to improve communication between citizens and police.

MySAPS, announced on Friday, will allow users to provide anonymous tip-offs, locate their nearest police station, or send emergency alerts when in need. It will also give users easy access to the police’s social accounts.

“The app, which is a first of its kind on the continent, will support national police efforts in South Africa by bringing communities into closer contact with their local police stations,” Vodacom, the developer of the app, added in the statement.

Gen. Khehla Sitole, SAPS national commissioner, noted that MySAPS will play a role in creating “a safer society for all South Africans”.

How to use MySAPS

Users will be required to register an account on MySAPS, but can submit tip-offs and report crimes through their profile or anonymously.

However, it’s important to note that the app doesn’t replace the manual incident reporting system at police stations.

“[V]ictims of a crime need to keep in mind that they are still required to register a case at a police station for investigation and insurance purposes,” the statement added.

The MySAPS app is available for Android and iOS users. Additionally, you can read its terms of conditions here.

The South African Police app joins a number of other crime-fighting apps in the country, including Namola which debuted in 2017.

Feature image: Vodacom