While the City’s gunshot detection technology has made gains in the recovery of firearms in Cape Town, Safety and Security chief, JP Smith, says this is just one part of fighting crime.  

According to Smith, this is in response to a narrative that the technology is not doing enough to combat gang violence. He said the ShotSpotter is meant to be a tool to help law enforcement respond to incidents, but notes that it cannot prevent the violence.  

“What it does provide is awareness. And without that awareness, the vast majority of gunfire goes unreported, leaving law enforcement blind,” said Smith in a statement.  

Statistics between April and June this year show that ShotSpotter technology has contributed to the recovery of 31 firearms, 18 imitation firearms and 467 rounds of ammunition, with ShotSpotter placements in Manenberg, Hanover Park, Nyanga and Steenberg.  

Smith said the system also detected “3 893 alerts with 9 223 rounds fired” over the past financial year, which he said is a 30% reduction compared to the previous year.  

Further data revealed that 40% of gunfire occurred on just 20 streets per suburb, rising to 58% in Lavender Hill. 

“The data underpins the value of the gunshot detection technology which enables more frequent, rapid, and precise responses.” 

While helpful, Smith said it is “unrealistic and counterproductive” to expect that ShotSpotter should prevent gang violence.  

“Yet it remains the low-hanging fruit that detractors aim for, instead of asking the more pertinent questions, like what national enforcement and prosecution agencies are doing to: stem the flow of guns onto our streets, address the delays with ballistics and DNA testing to further investigations, fill critical vacancies in the SAPS detectives branch so that firearm-related cases can be effectively investigated,” said Smith.  

Smith stressed that tackling gang violence requires a comprehensive approach, including proactive policing, social development programmes, and support from national enforcement agencies to curb the flow of firearms and address investigative delays. 

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