This article has been updated…

Ward 20 Councillor Abbas Warasally met with Transnet Freight and Rail (Spoornet) officials yesterday (February 11) to address growing concerns from community members about spy drones flying over residential properties.

According to the councillor, Transnet Freight and Rail confirmed that one of the drones operating in the area belongs to UDS Security, a company that provides drone surveillance services. The drone is being used to monitor fuel lines.

Warasally said Transnet Freight and Rail assured him that this drone is tracked and is not monitoring people’s homes. Its purpose, he explained, is strictly for infrastructure surveillance. “They indicated that the drone has a tracker and is being used to monitor fuel lines,” he said.

Warasally added that UDS has offered assistance when required to track down criminals in the area.

Second drone sparks outrage

However, residents have reported the presence of a second drone that appears to be flying directly into people’s yards. Warasally says this drone is not linked to the Transnet Freight and Rail operation discussed at the meeting.

“This is illegal – totally against the law,” he said. “No one has the right to invade people’s privacy by flying into their yards.”

Community members have expressed anger and frustration, with some warning that they would take matters into their own hands if the drone continues to enter their properties. Residents have told the councillor that they are furious and have threatened to shoot the drone if it comes into their yards.

Call for investigation

Warasally urged residents to remain calm while the matter is being addressed. He said efforts are underway to determine who is operating the second drone.

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