South African CCTV network helps catch criminals 1,400km from crime

Thanks to its extensive network of cameras, Vumacam helped arrest criminal suspects over 1,400 kilometres from where they committed several crimes, demonstrating the effectiveness of the technology.

This is according to Vumacam CCO Michael Varney, who told 702 that the company’s network of over 7,000 cameras is helping to crack down on crime in South Africa.

“We’ve just moved into the Western Cape, and there was an incident last week where they were able to intercept a gang of criminals that were responsible for a home invasion and a murder in Johannesburg,” Varney said.

“As that vehicle moved through the Saldanha Bay network that we’ve just densified there, authorities could intercept them, arrest them, and return them to Gauteng for prosecution.”

Varney explained that public sector policing authorities such as the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and South African Police Services have access to Vumacam’s network of cameras, making it a valuable asset for crime prevention.

He added that over 100 other private control rooms also have access to video feeds, creating a backup for public policing.

Vumacam recently announced that it had deployed 123 CCTV cameras across Johannesburg’s inner city as part of a partnership with Africa Housing Company (Afhco) and Jozi My Jozi.

Afhco said it invested R10 million in the rollout of the cameras to make the inner city a safer and more inclusive space.

“We are proud to partner with Vumacam and Jozi My Jozi in addressing one of Johannesburg’s most pressing challenges — crime,” said Afhco managing director Kevin van den Heever.

“This initiative supports a more secure environment and contributes to changing the perception of the inner city, attracting new investment and fostering urban renewal.”

Varney explained that the Jozi My Jozi project is built on six pillars, the first of which is safety and security.

He said Vumacam’s behaviour-based algorithm ensures individuals’ right to privacy while playing an instrumental role in preventing a range of serious crimes.

“You really see huge results in the areas where we’ve densified our network. We do see a big shift in behaviour, a shift of crime out of that area,” Varney said.

“This includes everything from violent crime to less serious crimes like illegal dumping, for instance. But it is a turnkey solution because the way the data is collected ensures it is admissible in court.”

Vumacam also recently rolled out 193 CCTV cameras in townships, informal settlements, and hostels (TISH) across Gauteng in partnership with the Gauteng Department of e-Government.

The department said this latest expansion followed its successful first two phases of the project, which saw the deployment of 300 cameras at TISH areas in the province.

“The continuous efforts to enhance surveillance are part of a broader strategy to create safer and more resilient Gauteng,” the department said.

Gauteng MEC for e-Government, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, expressed his satisfaction regarding the latest expansion, adding that surveillance technology is critical to ensuring public safety.

“The expansion of CCTV surveillance in our townships and informal settlements is a key part of ensuring a safer Gauteng,” said Dhlamini.

“We remain committed to improving the lives of our people through strategic technology solutions, and these security solutions are essential to achieving that goal.”

Lebogang Seroba, a community member from Sedibeng, said she has seen tangible improvements since the initiative started rolling out.

“The increase in surveillance cameras in our area has made a huge difference. We feel safer. It’s clear that the government is committed to looking out for us,” said Seroba.