City CCTV technology leads to over 400 arrests

The City of Cape Town’s increased investment in camera technology has reportedly resulted in a 35% rise in incidents detected through its CCTV network, with more than a thousand body-worn cameras now deployed among enforcement services staff.

According to the City’s Safety and Security Directrate, the system detected 59 526 incidents between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. This is a 35% year-on-year increase.

Of these, 27 059 were criminal incidents, which led to 458 arrests. These included 75 for driving under the influence linked to accidents, 27 for smash-and-grab or theft out of motor vehicles, 23 for cable theft, and 154 for possession or dealing in drugs.

Mayoral Comitte Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says the network serves as a force multiplier, aiding both proactive and reactive policing efforts.

Smith says that this financial year, the Metro Police Strategic Surveillance Unit is managing the installation of new cameras and infrastructure worth nearly R14,4 million.

Communities set to benefit in the next 12 months include Langa, Beacon Valley, Brown’s Farm, Macassar, Morningstar, Durbanville, Electric City, and Malibu Village.

“In recent years, we’ve managed to grow the City’s CCTV footprint, reduced the percentage of camera outages and increased the number of incidents detected. And while the instinct is to view them as tools in the fight against crime, the camera network is so much more.”

Smith says the network also triggers emergency responses where victims aren’t able to call for help themselves, identifies threats before incidents happen, and deter incidents of crime or other anti-social behaviour.

The City has reportedly also started using other means of aerial monitoring, like drones, and sharing footage for public consumption to show how the technology is being utilised.

In one of our most viewed clips earlier this year, a drone was able to follow a suspect who was hiding alongside the R300, and lead officers straight to him, and the illegal firearm he had in his possession,” added Smith

In-vehicle and Bodyworn cameras

The directorate also confirmed that more than 300 in-vehicle cameras are currently in operation, primarily within the Traffic Services, enhancing monitoring and response efforts on the road.

city body worn cameras

The directorate reportedly began rolling out Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) two years ago. In the first phase, 1 250 devices were distributed to enforcement staff, with an additional 1 000 now being deployed as part of the ongoing expansion.

Smith says a standard operating procedure detailing training requirements and providing guidance for officers on operating the BWCs has been established to support effective use.

All footage captured is securely stored through a Digital Evidence Management Solution. Access is restricted to authorised personnel only, and any footage released for legal or official purposes follows strict protocols to ensure the integrity and chain of custody of the evidence.

Smith added that the video footage can help identify suspects, convict them and be the impartial observer of interactions or incidents, protecting both the public and our staff members.

” – the incidents captured on video also offer valuable insights into the challenges that come with enforcement, but at the same time they are valuable tools in our public education and awareness efforts.”