CCTV network supports CTown's fight against crime

In the City of Cape Town, the number of criminal incidents detected through the city’s surveillance camera network continues to rise.

The latest statistics from the Cape Town Metropolitan Police's Strategic Surveillance Unit (SSU) show that the number of incidents captured by video surveillance increased from 22,498 to 43,457 between the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 financial years.

This represents an increase of 63 percent, according to the city's Safety Committee, which received the latest report on the SSU's performance.

For the reporting period, the SSU recorded 454 CCTV-related arrests, compared to 312 arrests – an increase of 45%.

In addition, the SSU facilitated the installation of 138 new cameras in various parts of the metropolis during this period, a statement said.

“The successful use of video surveillance footage for crime prevention and especially the successful arrests are a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to improve public safety across the city,” says Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, Chairman of the Security Committee.

“It is also a testament to the dedication of our law enforcement officers and the effectiveness of technology in making Cape Town a safer place.

“We remain committed to supporting investments in advanced technologies and strategies that promote the safety and well-being of all our residents.”

Video surveillance cameras have long been an integral part of the city's crime prevention efforts.

Last year, the city announced that it would be boosting its technology-based fight against crime financially, with an additional R48 million earmarked for various technological measures.

It was noted that the money will be used for additional and replacement CCTV cameras across the city, as well as gunshot detection technology in the new fiscal year.

As part of the technology-enabled crime-fighting effort, some of the city's police officers wear body cameras and their vehicles are equipped with automatic license plate recognition technology.