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Privacy notice
How we handle your personal information under the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA). Last updated 7 November 2026.
Who we are
Malabar Patrols, a community patrol for Malabar, Gqeberha, is the responsible party for the information on this website, the SOS and responder apps and the Malabar Patrols WhatsApp number (075 798 4386). Our systems are run for us by GOLDNET (operator) on servers in South Africa. Questions or requests: info@malabarpatrols.co.za.
What we collect and why
- SOS app: your cell (WhatsApp) number (login; when you sign up with WhatsApp, the number you send from), name, home address, optional medical notes and emergency contact; your GPS location once at sign-up to fill in your address (not saved), and only when you press SOS and while that incident is open; a voice note only while you hold the SOS button. Purpose: to send help to you.
- Responders: name, number, vehicle, and location only while on duty. Purpose: to dispatch the nearest responder.
- Reports from this website or WhatsApp: what you report, photos, voice notes, location if you add it, and (unless you report anonymously) your name and contact details. Purpose: to act on the report and follow up.
- Forms (join, member, partner, contact, RSVP, donations): the details you enter. Purpose: to reply and to organise the patrol.
- WhatsApp chats with our number, to answer you and hand you to a person when needed.
- Technical: a scrambled (hashed) version of your internet address, to stop spam. We use no advertising or tracking cookies.
Who sees it
- An SOS alert (your name, address, location, incident number and voice note) goes to the Malabar Patrols WhatsApp group of patrol members and to the responders being called. Your phone number is never posted in the group.
- Community reports go to the group without your name, number or email; those stay with the control room.
- Crimes may be reported to SAPS. Card donations are processed by PayFast.
- We never sell your information or use it for marketing.
How long we keep it
Responder location history: 30 days. Incident locations: 1 year. Voice notes, photos and WhatsApp chats: 1 year. Reporters' contact details on reports: removed after 1 year. Incident records without location stay for our response statistics. Public statistics on this website never include names, numbers or addresses.
Your rights
You may ask what we hold about you, ask us to correct or delete it, or object to how we use it. In the SOS app, My data lets you download or delete your account at once. Otherwise email info@malabarpatrols.co.za (subject "POPIA request"). You may also complain to the Information Regulator (inforegulator.org.za).
Security
Information is sent encrypted (HTTPS), stored on access-controlled servers, and staff access to personal information is logged.