New app may help reckless revellers get out of a legal jam

JUST in case you find yourself in a spot, there is a free app that offers users an opportunity to brush up on their legal rights relating to roadblocks, speeding fines and interactions with police.

The app, LegalMate, was created by Jed da Silva from Cape Town University and Michael de la Hunt from Wits University. They launched the app in August.

“We saw a lot of students not knowing their rights during instances of mass protest and arrests,” said Da Silva.

LegalMate summarises basic legal information and makes it easy to read.

The intention is to educate people about their rights and the various legal processes to follow when interacting with law enforcement officials.

While most of the information is sourced from current legislation, the app also includes viewpoints from groups such as the Right2Know Campaign.

“It does not serve as legal advice, but rather a general pool of information.

“We insist that professional legal advice be obtained relating to a person’s unique circumstance. It should not necessarily be something that you use during an incident,” Da Silva said.

The future plans for the app include updating it and working with partners to reach and educate more people on their rights.

PICTURE: PHANDO JIKELO/AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY/ANA Kids in Section X, Site B, in Khayelitsha cool off in a wheelie bin filled with water – the temperature reached 29°C in Cape Town yesterday.