South African safety technology startup Community Wolf has acquired Namola, one of the country’s most widely used emergency-response apps, as it seeks to create an integrated national platform combining community crime reporting with professional emergency services.
The deal brings together two well-known safety platforms in a country where crime reporting, emergency response and public-private coordination remain highly fragmented. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Community Wolf operates an AI-driven system that allows users to report crime or suspicious activity via WhatsApp, without downloading an app. The platform processes reports using artificial intelligence to generate real-time incident data and location-based insights that can be shared with police, private security companies and community safety groups.
Namola, which will continue operating as a standalone product within the Community Wolf ecosystem, provides emergency assistance through a mobile app that connects users to police, medical, fire and private security responders across South Africa.
Emergency response on the Namola platform is powered by AURA, a technology company that operates a nationwide network of more than 3,000 private security and medical responders.
“With the rise of AI, we are entering a world where crime can be detected and responded to faster than ever before,” said Warren Myers, AURA’s chief executive and co-founder. “This acquisition strengthens our partnership with Community Wolf and improves safety outcomes for Namola users.”
Community Wolf co-founder Nick Mills said the company planned to invest in growing the Namola platform and expanding its reach.
“We believe Namola can once again become a household name in private emergency services in South Africa,” Mills said.
Co-founder Michael Houghton said the acquisition would accelerate Community Wolf’s goal of providing faster and more coordinated safety services by combining real-time community intelligence with professional emergency response.
South Africa continues to face high levels of violent crime, while emergency response services are split between public authorities, private security firms and community-based initiatives. The companies said the combined platform would help close gaps in reporting, response times and access to assistance.
