Smart surveillance pilot cuts crime and boosts police response
A high-tech CCTV system in Hatfield has helped intercept suspects and reduce incidents. Metro officials say results from the five-week pilot support wider rollout and possible integration of drones in crime prevention.
Tshwane metro police, together with MMC for Community Safety Hannes Coetzee, recently visited the Proof of Concept (POC) control room in the Hatfield CID to review the progress of the metro’s new high-tech crime prevention initiative.
The project uses CCTV technology to detect suspicious activity and enable faster police responses, with plans now underway to expand the network and explore drone use as an additional crime-fighting tool.
“This is to assist with crime prevention and car hijacking to make Tshwane a safer place,” said Coetzee.
Security service provider Vumacam spokesperson Alex Bouch said the CCTV project was launched five weeks ago and has already shown promising results.
He stated that dispatches to incidents increased from 65 in the first week to 133 by week five.
“This has led to 30 interceptions and 15 arrests, with suspects facing charges ranging from theft and robbery to fraud.”
Bouch explained that the system is designed to detect vehicles of interest entering the monitored area, allowing for quick interception by law enforcement.
He added that the system also helps safeguard critical infrastructure such as power cables and traffic lights from criminal activity.
“The pilot project is also being used to integrate CCTV monitoring with TMPD’s workflows and to train operators to use the system independently.”
Bouch said this enables more targeted camera deployments in high-priority areas and faster police response times.
Commissioner Yolanda Faro, TMPD Chief of Police, expressed strong support for the initiative, calling it an important step forward in using technology to improve law enforcement.
According to the Hatfield CID, they have also already seen tangible benefits from the system.
CEO Lucas Luckhoff reported a significant drop in crime year-on-year and an increase in arrests since the pilot began.
“The CCTV network also assists the SAPS with investigations, and we are looking to expand the network further,” he said.
“The system is reputable, and the support from the Vumacam team is world-class, helping the Hatfield CID to manage the precinct effectively.”
He said plans are underway to both increase the number of cameras and explore the use of drones as additional crime-fighting tools.
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