Technology is being used in the hopes of finding the kidnapped daughter of First Technology MD Rob Matthews, with one possible lead already emerging as a result.
Ten thousand eBlockwatch members received an SMS on Sunday morning containing information on Leigh Matthews - who was kidnapped outside Bond University in Sandton on Friday.
The SMSs, which contained information such as what she was wearing, were sent in the hopes that someone would be able to provide information as to her whereabouts.
One possible lead has already emerged, says eBlockwatch founder Andre Snyman. "There is nothing conclusive yet, but we have received information that a white girl was seen in the back of a bakkie on Friday night in Springs. I`m not yet sure if it means anything, but it`s a start."
eBlockwatch works with the community in order to obtain information pertaining to crime, says Snyman. "I disseminate information. That`s my role. eBlockwatch sends SMSs to our members, who respond with any information they have, which we then pass on to the police.
"By getting the community involved, that`s how we`ll stop crime."
At present, eBlockwatch has around 15 000 members situated around the country. "We`ve got a hell of a lot of clever people in our network. There are over 1 000 people in the IT sector alone."
While the company makes use of technology, Snyman stresses the important role of communities. "We may use technology, but this is a community project. We are more into community-building than crime-fighting."
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