The anonymous tip-off service, Crime Line has congratulated its partner SHOUT, who launched their second single “You’re the Voice” in Johannesburg this morning. The funds raised through downloads of the song will be used towards the fight against crime.

Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee singled out Danny K and Kabelo Mabalane, the co-founders of the SHOUT Foundation, which was launched in March 2010 with the popular cover of the Tears for Fears track “Shout”, in collaboration with South African artists and musicians.

“These two young men donate their time, passion and talent to make a difference in the fight against crime. Crime Line applauds them, including everyone who has selflessly given themselves to this worthy project.

“You are giving the power back to the citizens of this country. You have reminded them that they have a voice. We all need to continue to fight this crime scourge. Crime Line has been a partner of Shout from day 1. Please continue to spread the message,” said Abramjee.
Crime Line and SHOUT have been partners since 2010 and have worked together on numerous projects.

“SHOUT has been instrumental in encouraging citizens to blow the whistle on crime via Crime Line’s anonymous 32211 SMS service. The strength of their message has even resonated with the international community, receiving much acclaim for the ‘Shout’ song from members of Crime Stoppers International (CSI).

“It shows that people need to be inspired, activated and empowered from all walks of life. SHOUT has not only supported the police, but many NGOs who have done great work in helping survivors of crime and those who are at the forefront of crime prevention,” said Abramjee.

SHOUT also announced the launch of the Samsung/SHOUT App on April 1, which will initially be available on Android devices. The SHOUT App will enable users to not only find out about criminal activity in their immediate area, but also to search crime by location, type or time period. Users will also receive notifications when they enter an area where crimes have recently been reported.

The SHOUT App’s SOS feature allows users to send out a call for help in cases of emergency. Crime Line is also available on the SHOUT App platform, allowing users to anonymously pass on information for the police to act on.

“We are fully behind SHOUT and believe that this technology will make the space smaller for criminals. This App will allow for crime mapping - information that can go a long way in showing us where we need to focus our efforts.

“We can’t wait for the App to be extended to the iPhone and Blackberry platforms. It is a tool each and every South African should have access to,” said Abramjee.

Abramjee, who acted as interim chairman of SHOUT in 2010, thanked SHOUT for honouring him this morning with a “Special Recognition & Achievement Award”. SHOUT Chairman, Gavin Koppel presented him with a painting of himself by artist, John Adams.

Abramjee reaffirmed Crime Line’s commitment to support SHOUT and work closely together towards realising shared goals.

“We support SHOUT from a Lead SA perspective as well, because it is in line with our philosophy of active citizenship. It promotes this.

“Let’s continue to all stand up, do the right thing and make a difference. Let’s fight crime and continue to grow a culture of blowing the whistle on crime,” said Abramjee.

SMS “VOICE” TO 49300 TO DONATE R20 AND DOWNLOAD “YOU’RE THE VOICE” FOR A SAFER SOUTH AFRICA.

For media enquiries, please contact Yusuf Abramjee on 082 441 4203 or Marisa Oosthuizen on 071 674 5089.