The dry run took place on 11 May to test the system.

Two representatives per neighbourhood watch are permitted to join the WhatsApp group to communicate information to police as part of its response planning and execution.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith said community structures like neighbourhood watches are very often first responders, but also have an ear to the ground in their communities – making them valuable partners in the intelligence sharing space during times of crisis.

“So if, for example, we start hearing chatter about a protest or flooding or any other public safety risk, the organisations on our dedicated WhatsApp channel can easily help verify or confirm information, but more importantly, the platform will give them a direct line to our Joint Operations Centre. Other benefits are that we can cut through the noise far more easily, and more importantly, we are able to direct resources appropriately, and speedily.

On the day of the trial, there were scenarios in five areas – protest action in Hout Bay, Costa Da Gama (Muizenberg) and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village; as well as the escorting of food trucks in Strand, and a missing person in the Milnerton area.

‘This concept is very simple, but potentially incredibly valuable. The more credible information is available, the easier it is to plan, or respond, and who better to be involved than our safety partners at community level. This dry run will go a long way in helping to formalise this practice, and building it into our standard operating procedures going forward,’ added Smith.

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Mi7 CEO Shadrach Karien said a WhatsApp number managed by its control room was unexpectedly banned two weeks ago.

“Our newest Control Room WhatsApp line, which was put in place shortly after the initial bans, was again banned on 21 April, after a week, and following several additional reports of spam. Furthermore, we have faced additional challenges as our emergency and main office numbers have been wrongfully reported as spam on caller identification apps like TrueCaller.”

“We now understand that these bans are the result of deliberate sabotage carried out by individuals linked to competing companies. Our investigations have identified the parties responsible for these spam reports.”

“These individuals did not stop at getting our number banned; they proceeded to spread false rumours directly afterward, claiming that Mi7 was shutting down operations in certain areas – evidenced by the removal of the Control Room from community WhatsApp groups,” he explained.

Karien said the alleged sabotage was “a concerted, and intentional campaign.”

“The malicious actions compromising our WhatsApp communications not only put lives at risk but also hinder our response to urgent medical emergencies and ongoing crimes, directly threatening people’s assets and livelihoods. We urgently call for an immediate cessation of these activities. We are addressing these malicious attacks head-on by initiating legal actions and engaging with the Cyber Crimes unit. We will not rest until these perpetrators are dealt with decisively,” he said.

He said the control room was no longer available on WhatsApp.

“Since March 2021, Mi7 National Group has leveraged WhatsApp to enhance community safety by facilitating rapid communication for emergency responses and crime prevention. Our dedicated Control Room has monitored over 120 groups in the Midlands and Port Shepstone, significantly aiding in swift emergency action and reinforcing community trust during crises.”

“Our active participation has directly contributed to saving numerous lives during medical emergencies by ensuring that critical assistance is dispatched without delay. Additionally, our timely intervention has led to the arrest of many criminals, thanks to immediate reactions to distress messages communicated through these groups.”

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