Media group Primedia has launched a Web site and SMS service, with the blessing of the police, that will allow the public to tip-off the authorities on crime and criminals.
Yusuf Abramjee, Primedia's group head of news and talk shows, says the idea came about because the public are scared to report crime lest they be victimised for doing so. "We need to break the silence in order to make the country a safer place to live in. I am 100% confident that this will work," he says.
Primedia has opened a data centre in Sandton, and will send the captured information to the police. Tipsters can either fill in an online form about their suspicions, at www.crimeline.co.za, or SMS 32211 at a cost of R1. "We promise not to pass on any of your details to the authorities," Primedia says.
The site adds that the initiative is "aimed at getting criminals off the streets... We want you to blow the whistle on crime. We will pass on the information to the authorities who have undertaken to act. All we want you to do is to pass on information of any criminal activity you know of.
"With Crime Line, you have the power to help fight crime without endangering yourself. It's easy, it's anonymous, it's up to you... Are you suspicious about your neighbours, relatives or friends? Do you suspect they are involved in crime?"
Police endorsement
Among those present at the launch yesterday was national police commissioner, Jackie Selebi, who said police would make the initiative work.
"I think the crime we need to concentrate on is housebreaking, because [it is associated with] a number of other offences, such as murder and rape." Research earlier this year also showed that burglaries and house robberies were extremely difficult to police.
Selebi's boss, safety and security minister Charles Nqakula said he was optimistic about the venture. "We have to deal with the criminals in this country and, through this initiative, I see a much brighter country."
Fingerprint scanners
Abramjee also donated 60 Sagem-made MorphoTouch mobile biometric scanners to the police. Costing about R45 000 each, the fingerprint scanners have been in use by police since 2002 as part of its automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS).
Police spokesman Captain Percy Morokane said earlier this year that the system is mostly used at roadblocks and during intelligence-driven cordon-and-search operations. "That piece of equipment has revolutionised the way suspects are treated," he said.
The money for the 60 AFIS scanners was raised by 702 Talkradio host John Robbie who, in March, called for listeners to contribute.
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