The City of Cape Town has donated impounded cellphones to members of neighbourhood watch organisations from across the metro.
In a statement, the city says the mobile devices that were not collected by the owners became city property in terms of the Impoundment Policy, which means they can be disposed of in a manner deemed fit by the directorate.
The cellphones were impounded from motorists in terms of Section 38 of the Traffic Bylaw, which prohibits the use of a communication device while driving, according to the statement.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith says: "We have impounded thousands of phones since this section of the bylaw came into effect in 2012. What we didn't realise at the time was how much red tape we would have to cut through to clear personal data from phones that were never claimed. We initially planned to auction the devices, but then last year we had a brainwave to donate the phones to non-governmental and community organisations instead who could put them to good use."
The city donated the first batch of 150 cellphones to 30 neighbourhood watch organisations in areas like Gugulethu, Bellville South, Highlands, Oakdale and Glenhaven.
"These devices are meant to help keep watch members in contact with each other, but also law enforcement agencies. The city has worked closely with neighbourhood watch organisations for the last eight years by helping to set them up and providing training and equipment.
"These phones aren't necessarily the latest technology, but they're more than capable of fulfilling a crucial function like making a call, sending a text or instant message, or even a 'please call me' in a moment of need," adds Smith.
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