The Gauteng MEC for e-Government and Vumacam celebrate 100 days of crime reduction success
Gauteng MEC Bonginkosi Dlamini celebrates the remarkable achievements of the past 100 days in crime reduction, showcasing the transformative power of technology in making communities safer.
At a media briefing today, Gauteng MEC for e-Government Bonginkosi Dlamini, in collaboration with Vumacam, highlighted the achievements of his first 100 days in office, emphasising the role of technology in reducing crime across the province at their ops centre in Auckland park.
Attendees toured a state-of-the-art network control room showcasing advanced surveillance technologies integral to Gauteng’s crime prevention strategies.
Dlamini underscored the significance of this partnership for enhancing security in Gauteng. “As a government, we are committed to the ongoing modernisation of the public sector and ensuring efficient service delivery to all residents.
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“Our collaboration with Vumacam demonstrates our dedication to leveraging advanced technologies to support law enforcement in creating safer communities,” he stated.
Dlamini noted that real-time surveillance has led to faster police response times and has enabled the interception of crimes before they escalate.
The briefing focused on the effectiveness of CCTV cameras, managed by Vumacam, with a review period from June to September 2024.
Dlamini reported that these cameras have proven instrumental in detecting various criminal activities, including car hijacking, house robberies, and theft. “The CCTV systems capture clear images of criminal activities, including license plates, which aid in making arrests,” he added.
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Michael Varney, chief commercial officer at Vumacam, elaborated on the potential of AI-driven crime prevention. “Our collaboration with the Gauteng Provincial Government illustrates the possibilities when powerful technology meets public safety initiatives.
“Vumacam’s AI-powered monitoring solutions provide actionable intelligence that supports law enforcement in making prompt, informed decisions,” Varney asserted.
The partnership has resulted in the deployment of hundreds of cameras strategically located in high-risk areas, with a control room operational around the clock. “Our Proof Platform connects security partners with SAPS in real time, ensuring rapid, efficient responses and offering peace of mind in the face of chaos.”
Vumacam’s expansive network currently includes:
• 6 469 total live cameras,
• 3 174 overview cameras,
• 3 295 license plate recognition (LPR) cameras, and
• Over 1 000 additional cameras scheduled for rollout.
In the last 100 days, Vumacam has reported significant success in crime prevention efforts, including:
• 264 impoundments,
• 476 interceptions,
• 104 arrests, and
• 4 101 dispatches.
Varney noted that response times have dramatically improved, decreasing from 18–30 minutes to just 5–10 minutes.
Furthermore, he stated that the partnership’s impact has been profound, contributing to a 30% month-on-month improvement in crime interception rates, facilitating numerous successful arrests.
Looking ahead, both Dlamini and Varney expressed their commitment to expanding camera coverage, particularly in townships and informal settlements, while enhancing training and skills development for operators.
The collaboration between the government and Vumacam exemplifies a scalable model for crime prevention in South Africa, with a clear focus on improving safety and security for all residents.
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