Earlier this month, the City of Cape Town announced plans to spend about R860 million over three years on technology-driven equipment to combat violent crime. Some community policing forum (CPF) members and Cape Flats residents are sceptical, and one resident, as reported by News24, believes it is a ‘bloody joke.’
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Also read: CoCT using gunshot detection and drones to pinpoint gang violence
The City said that it would use gunshot detection technology and drones to pinpoint gun violence and violent flare-ups and quickly deploy policing resources to crime-infested areas on the Cape Flats. The installations would reportedly be carried out in consultation with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Acoustic gunshot detection systems were reportedly installed in Hanover Park in December, in Manenberg in February and in Lavender Hill in March.
JP Smith, a mayoral committee member for safety and security, stated that this technology would be expanded to more areas throughout Cape Town.
He added that the city would not reveal the locations of the sensors for ‘operational purposes.’
Gunshot detection technology, formerly known as ShotSpotter and now known as SoundThinking, recognises the sound of gunfire, allowing law enforcement officials to immediately pinpoint territorial battles erupting between rival gangs.
The City said that, aside from specific gunfire alerts, the data would allow for more strategic deployment of policing resources by identifying hotspots.
‘By deploying gunshot detection and drones to gang hotspots, we aim to see rapid, tech-led deployment of police to gun violence flare-ups,’ Smith explained. ‘Tech-led policing provides a crucial strategic advantage as we add more boots on the ground.’
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