Gauteng SAPS launches drone pilot project in Midrand to combat crime in the province
The drones will be used to augment police visibility, especially in areas that are not easily accessible due to environmental design.
In an attempt to fight raging crime around the province, the South African Police Services bestowed 13 newly qualified drone pilots with certificates and operation licenses in Midrand.
The drone pilots have been certified by civil aviation.
And more pilots, a total of nine, will be added to maintain police visibility throughout Gauteng in the future as they are about to undergo training.
On June 21, Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko joined Gauteng provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela at the official launch hosted at Fidelity Security Services’ offices in Midrand.
Mazibuko and Mawela were joined by various stakeholders including Fidelity Security Services, Sanlam, Business Against Crime’s Eyes and Ears Initiative, UAV and Drone Solutions, various banking partners, senior police management, and other law enforcement agencies.
The province’s initiative to launch qualified drone pilots is part of an e-policing initiative to fight criminal elements.
This is one of many initiatives that are a priority for the government to raise the standards of police activity.
General Mawela said that using drone technology will contribute to the effective deployment of resources and promote operational readiness in dealing with crime in hotspot areas.
Mawela said the drones will be used to access narrow passages that cannot be accessed on foot- while increasing police visibility.
“We are so excited about the drones because they can solve a lot of problems in our areas. Through embracing the use of technology, the province can curtail these challenges,” said Mawela.
The drones will be used to augment police visibility, especially in areas that are not easily accessible due to environmental design.
MEC Mazibuko said the use of drones will contribute to smart policing, where criminals and their tactics will be dealt with decisively.
“Initially, people thought Premier Panyaza Lesufi was just living in his dreamland when he announced that Gauteng would no longer be the same and policed differently. This drone pilot is the first of the Premier’s dreams,” said Mazibuko.
In areas that are densely populated and have a high crime rate, like Rabie Ridge, Ivory Park, Mayibuye, Ebony Park and Diepsloot, drones could be very effective in preventing crime.
Resident Frankie Shava said he was excited to see this launch and hoped that it would help tackle serious crime, especially in informal settlements.
Another resident Terry Smith said, “The general is to be applauded for the way he is always out and about, front and centre, leading and mentoring his men. A real dedicated officer, worthy of the rank of General.”
Related article:
