The Namola app which allows South African’s to call emergency at the touch of a button now has 100 000 users.

The app was launched nationally last week with the help of Dialdirect Insurance and since launch it has been downloaded 16 000 times.

For those that aren’t aware Namola is a free app that allows you to request emergency assistance at the touch of a button. The app uses your GPS co-ordinates to locate you. Citizens can request a call back or converse with an agent via text messages. You can see how the app works in the video below.

Police minister Fikile Mbalula praised the app’s launch saying, “We continue to emphasise that crime fighting requires civil society to work together with police. Modern technology empowers our people to protect themselves and access information and help. I congratulate the team for their launch, and I am motivated by their continued activism in the fight against crime.”

Namola’s chief executive officer Peter Matthaei thanked the users who had already downloaded the app adding, “Together we have taken a proactive approach to fighting crime. Your interest in protecting your families and communities is what motivates us to keep on going.”

The Namola app is available for free on both Android and iOS devices.