Cape Town’s growing web of surveillance cameras is proving its worth, with the City confirming a 35% jump in detected incidents thanks to its expanding CCTV network and the rollout of more than 1 000 body-worn cameras among enforcement staff.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, the City’s Safety and Security Directorate logged 59 526 incidents, compared to the previous year’s total, showing a major leap in efficiency. Of these, 27 059 were criminal cases, resulting in 458 arrests. These included 75 for drunk driving linked to accidents, 27 smash-and-grabs, 23 cable thefts, and 154 for drug-related offences, as reported by Smile FM.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the expanding network acts as a ‘force multiplier’, strengthening both proactive and reactive policing. ‘In recent years, we’ve grown the City’s CCTV footprint, reduced downtime, and significantly boosted incident detection,’ he said.
Over R14.4 million is being invested in new surveillance infrastructure this financial year, with the next wave of installations heading to Langa, Beacon Valley, Brown’s Farm, Macassar, Morningstar, Durbanville, Electric City, and Malibu Village.
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Beyond fighting crime, the cameras also play a critical role in emergency responses, spotting incidents where victims can’t call for help and alerting authorities before threats escalate. The City has added drones to its arsenal, which have already helped track suspects in real time. In one widely shared clip, a drone followed a man hiding near the R300 and led officers straight to him and his illegal firearm.
The City has also rolled out over 300 in-vehicle cameras to strengthen its road monitoring. Since the introduction of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) two years ago, 1 250 devices were initially deployed, with another 1 000 now being added.
All recordings are stored securely under a Digital Evidence Management System, accessible only to authorised personnel under strict legal protocols. Smith said the footage not only aids convictions but also provides an objective record of officer interactions, protecting both staff and the public.
‘The incidents captured give us real insight into the daily challenges of enforcement,’ Smith added, ‘but they’re also powerful tools for education and awareness.’
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