“We’ve had another incredibly busy year here at SVI. We not only launched our groundbreaking new SVI LITE partial-armouring solution and commenced sales of our 12-seater MAX SWAT but also developed bespoke new B4 discreet and B6 discreet packages for several models,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.

So, which nameplates were the most popular for armouring at SVI in 2025? Well, it’s interesting to note all models in the top 5 employ a robust ladder-frame platform, a configuration well suited to carrying the added weight of armouring components (particularly when it comes to full B6 protection). Furthermore, while the podium places are occupied by bakkies, SUVs take the final two positions.

1. Toyota Hilux – 90 units armoured

Considering it remains South Africa’s best-selling vehicle, the Toyota Hilux predictably takes the top spot, with as many as 90 units having been fitted with SVI armour in 2025. Equipped with the company’s Stopgun V2.0 package, the locally built bakkie is the default choice in SA’s security industry.

Additionally, the Stopgun V2.0 kit for specific versions of the Hilux single cab is fully approved by the Japanese brand, thanks to SVI’s status as an authorised converter in Toyota’s commercial-vehicle partner programme. However, the double-cab version is also a popular option among civilians who require B4 (handgun protection, up to .44 Magnum) and B6 (protecting against assault rifles, including AK47, R1 and R5) discreet armour.

2. FORD RANGER – 29 units armoured

The local market’s second most popular bakkie also takes the runner-up position on this list. Over the course of 2025, the Bashewa-based company has armoured 29 examples of the Ford Ranger, all of which retained their vehicle warranty (and any selected service or maintenance plans) thanks to SVI’s approval under the Ford Pro Convertor programme (previously known as the Qualified Vehicle Modifiers initiative).

Fascinatingly, the Thailand-sourced Raptor was easily the most popular Ranger derivative, accounting for 21 of the 29 units armoured (with locally built Ranger variants making up the balance). As recently as September 2025, SVI announced a new B6 discreet armouring option for the V6-powered Raptor, launching it as SA’s first Ford-approved assault-rifle protection package for this high-performance derivative.

3. Volkswagen Amarok – 22 units armoured

Since several other bakkies outsell the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok on the local new-vehicle market, it may surprise some that the German firm’s contender makes it onto the podium here. However, the latest Amarok – just like the original version – has fast become a favourite among SVI customers, with as many as 22 units armoured in 2025.

Since the Amarok shares its platform with the Ranger (and is indeed built by Ford alongside this model at the Blue Oval brand’s Silverton facility in Gauteng), SVI’s engineers were able to apply their knowledge of Ford’s bakkie to develop the required armouring packages for the VW version.

4. Ford Everest – 11 units armoured

The most popular SUV for armouring at SVI in 2025 was the Ford Everest. In the end, 11 units of this Thai-built model moved through the company’s armouring facility during the year, with both B4 discreet and B6 discreet packages applied.

As with the closely related Ranger bakkie, SVI’s approval under the Ford Pro Convertor programme means an Everest converted by the armouring company (including with SVI LITE partial armour) retains its full warranty as well as any selected service or maintenance plans.

5. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – 7 units armoured

The model that closes out the top 5 is the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Like the previous-generation Prado, this latest J250-series model is an ideal candidate for both B4 discreet and B6 discreet armour, with 7 units having been converted by SVI in 2025.

SVI launched bespoke B4 and B6 protection packages for the new Prado – a model that remains in short supply on the local new-vehicle market, with customers continuing to face lengthy waiting lists – in the first quarter of the year. Should supply to South Africa improve, there’s every chance this model will climb the list in 2026.

The post Top five most popular vehicles for armouring at SVI in 2025 appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Public safety agencies, from metropolitan police departments to emergency medical teams, leaned on Hytera‑built TETRA and broadband radios already embedded in their day‑to‑day operations. These systems ensured uninterrupted voice and data communication across transport hubs, protest‑risk areas, and crowded public spaces where response times shrink during large events.

Security analyst Thabo Makwakwa noted that the G20’s scale placed unprecedented pressure on frontline agencies, forcing them to balance routine duties with summit‑related demands. He added that the reliability of their communication systems allowed them to operate without the added risk of technical failures.

A Section Commander within NatJoints’ Operational and Support division, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said, “The G20 placed extraordinary demands on our frontline units. Every second counted, and seamless communication was the difference between order and disruption. Our teams had to manage routine policing while absorbing the summit’s unique pressures, and the reliability of the radio networks gave us confidence that coordination would not falter.”

“Global events of this magnitude expose every weakness in frontline operations,” said Mark Zheng, Managing Director of Hytera Southern Africa. “When seconds matter, dependable communication is not a luxury – it is the backbone of coordination and public safety. We are proud that our technologies helped South African agencies deliver under global scrutiny.”

Hytera has maintained a presence in South Africa for more than 15 years. Its radios are used daily by municipal law enforcement, EMS crews, and specialised conservation and anti‑poaching units. That widespread adoption has made Hytera’s systems part of the country’s everyday safety fabric – a fact underscored during the G20, where even routine operations came under unusual strain.

Globally, Hytera Communications Corporation Limited has built a reputation over three decades as a leading provider of critical communications technologies. Its portfolio spans two‑way radios, PMR & LTE convergent solutions, fast‑deploy communications, body‑worn cameras, and control room systems. The company supports users in more than 120 countries, including the defence, policing, and emergency services sectors.

While the summit passed without major incident, experts argue that it served as a practical stress test for South Africa’s emergency communication network. The ability of frontline teams to sustain operations through trusted radio platforms demonstrates, resilience of existing networks under extraordinary demand, the integration of commercial technologies into national security frameworks, and the quiet but essential role of communications in enabling broader defence and security objectives.

As South Africa reflects on the logistical and operational lessons of hosting world leaders, emergency communication, often overlooked, rarely celebrated, has emerged as one of the quiet essentials that ensured the summit unfolded smoothly.

The post Radios Hold the Line at G20 appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

During the year, the organisation executed a disciplined expansion strategy, securing a growing network of authorised distribution partners and achieving meaningful commercial traction within the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, alongside continued consolidation in established territories. These developments reflect a series of strategic breakthroughs and reinforce HISSCO’s position as a trusted manufacturer of advanced security X-ray and screening technologies, the company said.

Investment throughout 2025 remained focused on innovation, operational capacity and channel development. Increased production capability, enhanced internal processes and improved supply chain resilience have positioned the organisation to support rising global demand while maintaining consistent standards of quality, performance and delivery.

A key area of advancement during the year has been the continued development of HISSCO’s AI-Assisted Imaging platform, which is being progressively integrated across next-generation EVO2 Series X-ray detection systems. This supports enhanced image performance, improved operator efficiency and higher screening throughput across critical infrastructure, aviation and mass-transit environments.

In parallel, the successful deployment of the HS 1818 200kV Dual View cargo systems across multiple UK sites has further strengthened market confidence in HISSCO’s cargo capabilities, the company said. These installations have demonstrated the platform’s robustness, reliability and scalability, driving increased demand for advanced cargo screening solutions across both the UK and wider international markets.

Commenting on the year, Group President & CEO Andrew Hudson said: “2025 has marked a significant step forward for HISSCO in terms of capability, capacity and our growing global presence. Through the commitment of our team, we have successfully delivered several large-scale projects and welcomed a number of well-established industry players into our global partner network.”

“As an organisation, we have moved beyond traditional market constraints and successfully navigated complex local and international compliance environments. This positions HISSCO to enter 2026 on a strong and resilient platform. The significant increase in project awards secured during Q4 will begin to be rolled out from Q1 2026.”

Looking ahead, HISSCO said it is positioned to accelerate its international expansion efforts, supported by an expanded partner base, scalable production capability and increasing penetration across priority markets. As part of this strategy, factory capacity expansion is scheduled to commence in Q1 2026, further strengthening production output and operational scale.

The post HISSCO confirms strong 2025 performance and 2026 outlook appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The Featherlight plate is engineered to enhance officer mobility and comfort, weighing in at 0.5 kg. “Despite its minimal weight, the plate provides robust protection against common threats, meeting the NIJ Level IIIa standard for handgun rounds, including 9 mm and .44 Magnum. Crucially, the plate also offers certified protection against the challenging Tokarev round, a projectile known for its difficulty to defeat with standard armour systems,” BPT said on 18 November.

“The Featherlight plate is a direct response to the operational demands of modern security and police forces,” said Leon van der Westhuizen, COO of BPT. “We have engineered a solution that practically eliminates weight as a barrier to wearing hard armour, ensuring that personnel are protected against complex threats like the Tokarev round without compromising agility or endurance. This is a game-changer for daily patrol and high-risk operations.”

Adding a core emphasis on the user experience, Benny Jiyane, CEO of BPT, commented: “The core advantage of the Featherlight plate is its suitability for semi-permanent wear in low-to-medium risk environments. It was specifically developed for everyday policing tasks, VIP protection details, undercover operations, and private security. Its extremely low profile and weight allow it to be discreetly incorporated into normal plate carriers or specialized T-shirt style vests, which we displayed at Milipol. Our goal was simple: to make the user almost unaware of the system due to its low weight and flexibility, greatly improving compliance and comfort for long-duration wear.”

The new armour solution features an ergonomic multi-curve design for a “superior” anatomical fit and is produced in a larger-than-standard 300 x 300 mm size, maximizing coverage without adding bulk.

“The composite technology utilised in the Featherlight plate sets a new standard for lightweight, multi-threat personal ballistic protection,” BPT said.

Earlier this year, BPT unveiled its Ultralight range of body armour so light that it can even float. The Ultralight range, showcased for the first time at the Securex exhibition in Johannesburg, features 1 kg plates that are a fraction of the weight of plates 30 years ago (3 kg) for Level III protection. At a weight of less than 1 kg for a 250 x 300 mm multi-curve plate, BPT said its Ultralight plates are so light and comfortable that they can be worn for extended periods. The plates exceed the requirements of NIJ 0101 Level III, by also providing protection against common threats such as the 5.56×45 mm Ball (R4) and 7.62×39 mm Ball (Mild Steel Core) (AK-47) threats.

These Ultralight plates are manufactured from UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) fibres, which have largely succeeded Kevlar. UHMWPE plates are so light that they have neutral buoyancy and can actually float on water.

BPT said the new generation of armour plate is being promoted to the South African Police Service (SAPS), amongst others, as it is half the weight of their current plates, but only costs 50% more.

BPT offers a range of armour solutions to meet different requirements and costs, from premium super and ultra-light solutions to heavier but cheaper steel plates. In addition to body armour, the company offers ballistic shields, which can protect against handguns and assault rifles.

Since establishment in 1997, BPT has supplied more than 1.3 million body armour plates and over 2 000 armoured vehicle kits to customers around the world. The company’s main focus is on body armour plates and military vehicle armour, supplying armour to several of South Africa’s leading armoured vehicle manufacturers; BPT completes 300-500 vehicle armour sets a year, and 70-150 000 body armour panels annually.

The other 5% of BPT’s turnover comes from specials, including bullet traps, shields, aircraft, ship and building armour. Materials used include ceramics, Aramid fibre, armour steel, special polymers and UHMWPE fibres.

BPT is accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) to certify ballistic testing on body armour (SANS 1658:2007 and STANAG 2920), vehicle armour (EN 1523) and military vehicle armour (STANAG 4569). This is a first for South Africa and BPT is currently the only South African company accredited to do any of this testing in their specially equipped ballistic testing facility, the company said.

The post Bullet Proofing Technology unveils new Featherlight hard armour plate at Milipol Paris appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Earlier in 2025, the Bashewa-based company introduced the innovative SVI LITE product range, which slots in below its B4 discreet and B6 discreet 360-degree armouring packages but well above smash-and-grab window film. Launched with the Toyota Corolla Cross and Ford Ranger, the SVI LITE treatment has since been extended to several other models, from the diminutive Suzuki Jimny right through to the Audi Q7 – and now it’s the Cayenne Coupé’s turn.

“In addition to its cost-effectiveness when compared to full 360-degree ballistic protection, one of the key drawcards of our lightweight SVI LITE partial armouring solution is the fact the vehicle’s general usability is virtually unaffected. In this case, that means the Cayenne Coupé remains very much a sportscar,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.

SVI LITE FOR CAYENNE COUPÉ

As with other SVI LITE packages, this anti-hijack solution for the Cayenne Coupé is limited to the side closures (i.e., doors and door windows), with the customer given the opportunity to specify how many doors are to be armoured.

All chosen doors gain carefully shaped and fully concealed Kevlar panels, while the standard side-window glass is replaced with special lightweight armoured glass. Together, these components deliver Level B2 protection and are thus rated to stop 9 mm, 124-grain rounds fired from a handgun.

In total, the armouring components add less than 15 kg to each door, meaning vehicle performance is virtually unaffected – regardless of whether the solution is applied to 260 kW Cayenne Coupé, the 349 kW Cayenne S Coupé, the 368 kW Cayenne GTS Coupé or the 485 kW Cayenne Turbo GT Cayenne Turbo GT (or indeed any of the “e-hybrid” iterations).

Furthermore, the special ballistic glass used in the SVI LITE package allows for the standard operation of the side windows. As such, the driver enjoys completely unhindered access to parking-ticket machines, biometric readers and the like, while passengers are able to operate their windows, too.

COST AND BUILD TIME

Compared with 360-degree B4 discreet armour – which, for a similarly sized SUV, starts at approximately R850,000 (excluding VAT) – SVI LITE is particularly cost effective, with the price per closure for the Porsche Cayenne Coupé starting at R74,950 (excluding VAT). Regardless of the number of closures specified, fitment at SVI’s facility outside Pretoria takes just two weeks.

The post Porsche Cayenne Coupé – now with ‘SVI LITE’ partial armour appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

This is after media reports incorrectly suggested that South Africa plans to diverge from the international consensus on the trade of ivory and rhino horns.

This comes ahead of the upcoming 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20), which will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 24 November – 5 December 2025.

“Our policy is guided by science, ethics, and global cooperation, not by commercial interest,”  statement from the DFFE said.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said: “South Africa will not support any move to reopen the ivory or rhino horn trade. Our duty is to protect our wildlife, not to profit from their destruction.”

South Africa’s approach to elephant and rhino conservation is grounded in sustainability, protection of biodiversity, and support for communities who live alongside wildlife.

The department said it will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to combat poaching, dismantle trafficking networks, and strengthen wildlife law enforcement.

“South Africa has a proud record of responsible conservation management under CITES. Our engagement in CITES processes aims to protect species, maintain ecological integrity, and ensure that conservation delivers long-term social and economic benefits.”

The department stressed that any suggestion that they seek to weaken international agreements or undermine collective conservation efforts is without basis.

“The DFFE’s priority is clear and this is to secure a future where elephants, rhinos and people can thrive together.”

The post Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment reaffirms opposition to ivory and rhino horn trade appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Comprising three videos, the new “Toughness” series shows a Toyota Hilux double-cab bakkie fitted with the popular SVI Stopgun V2.0 kit being subjected to a string of rigorous assessments, including a full ballistic onslaught, a riot-style attack and a punishing drop test.

“Over eight generations and more than half a century, the Toyota Hilux has built up a legendary reputation as one of the toughest bakkies out there. Fitting our B6 Stopgun V2.0 armouring kit, however, pushes its toughness into a whole new realm, which is clearly demonstrated in this series of videos,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.

TEST 1: EXTREME BALLISTIC ATTACK

The first test facing the SVI Hilux B6 Stopgun V2.0 test mule? Nothing short of a full ballistic onslaught via 9 mm, DM5 and AK47. In unison, SVI’s weapons handlers fired multiple rounds into the converted bakkie’s body and glass. Once the dust had settled, a thorough examination of the vehicle confirmed that zero penetration had occurred.

“There’s a reason our Stopgun V2.0 kit is so popular with South Africa’s security industry, where it saves lives on virtually a weekly basis. In the field, this solution has proven its worth time and time again, seeing it become the default choice among local security companies,” said Louw.

Watch Part 1 HERE!

TEST 2: PUNISHING RIOT-STYLE ATTACK

Almost immediately after withstanding a ballistic assault, the SVI Hilux B6 Stopgun V2.0 was confronted with a riot-style attack. Armed with a wide range of impact weapons typically encountered during violent civil disorder, the SVI team went to work on the Hilux.

Despite its battle scars from the ballistic test, the converted bakkie resolutely withstood impacts from weapons that included rocks, a hammer, a crowbar and even a pick-axe. Despite their best efforts, the team simply could not gain entry to the cabin.

Watch Part 2 HERE!

TEST 3: DRAMATIC INVERTED DROP

What else could the SVI Hilux B6 Stopgun V2.0 possibly endure? Well, what about being dropped onto its roof? After being inverted, hooked it up to a crane and raised two metres clear off the ground, the B6-armoured bakkie faced its final daunting challenge: surviving a drop onto a solid concrete surface.

And that’s exactly what it did. In a clear illustration of the B6 Stopgun V2.0 package’s built-in roll-over protection – courtesy of the armoured steel structure that effectively surrounds the cabin – the bakkie’s roof suffered very little deformation, despite bearing the full weight of the vehicle in the fall. This came as no surprise to the team considering the SVI Hilux B6 Stopgun V2.0 long ago passed an independent rollover test.

Watch Part 3 HERE!

THE TOUGHEST HILUX YET?

“The SVI B6 Stopgun V2.0 Hilux handled absolutely everything we could throw at it. In the end, it passed all three of our gruelling tests with flying colours. Is this the toughest version of the already resilient Hilux? We certainly think so.

“So, if your security company is running unarmoured bakkies in its crime-fighting fleet, we believe you’re taking an unnecessary risk. The solution is the SVI Stopgun V2.0 kit – cost effective, field proven and now tested to the absolute max,” concluded Louw.

SVI HILUX B6 STOPGUN V2.0

SVI’s B6 Stopgun V2.0 package for the Toyota Hilux serves as the preferred choice in South Africa’s broader security industry. It provides local security forces with a cost-effective B6 armouring solution – providing protection against assault rifles (including AK47, R1 and R5) – to combat general crime, escort valuables in transit or use for mining patrols.

The Stopgun V2.0 kit features unobtrusive integrated door armour and flat 38 mm armoured glass bolted into each window frame (the latter allows for fuss-free replacement should damage be sustained during an attack). In addition, the roof, front fenders, all pillars and part of the firewall gain B6 bullet-resistant protection courtesy of custom-fabricated armoured steel plates, as do critical under-bonnet components such as the battery and ABS unit.

Thanks to SVI’s status as an authorised converter in Toyota’s commercial-vehicle partner programme, the Stopgun V2.0 armouring package for specific versions of the Hilux Single Cab is fully approved by the Japanese automaker and is thus available to order directly from any of Toyota’s 200-plus dealerships countrywide.

COST AND BUILD TIME

The B6 Stopgun V2.0 armouring solution for the Toyota Hilux is available for all three body styles, with installation taking just three weeks. The prices below include a front suspension upgrade, gunports, window tinting and interior carpeting of the cab armour. Options include a more discreet curved windscreen, a bullbar-and-ballistic-grille combo and “Flats Over” heavy-duty runflat rings.

• Hilux Single Cab Stopgun V2.0 cabin armour – R303,729*
• Hilux Xtra Cab Stopgun V2.0 cabin armour – R351,346*
• Hilux Double Cab Stopgun V2.0 cabin armour – R434,322*

*figures exclude VAT and the purchase price of the base vehicle

The post The SVI Hilux ‘toughness’ series: Armoured bakkie put to the test! appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The handover ceremony took place at the SAPS Training College in Pretoria and was attended by senior police leadership, including Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Deputy Minister of Police, Shela Boshielo, and Deputy National Commissioner Cassel Mathale.

Nam-Binh Hoang, Managing Director of Airbus in South Africa, noted that the H125/Squirrel has been in SAPS service for a quarter of a century and the type is a major boost to both police ground forces and civilians. He said Airbus was “very proud” to contribute to the strength of the SAPS with the new H125 helicopters.

Cachalia explained that one of the helicopters will be based in Umtata and the other in Gauteng. The SAPS now has a fleet of 19 H125/AS350 Squirrel helicopters. It received two others from Airbus in September 2023, with more expected to be acquired in the future. The H125s join six Robinson R44, eight BK117, and two MD500 aircraft in the police rotary wing fleet.

Cachalia said the acquisitions of the helicopters, as well as 12 Paramount Marshall internal security vehicles also handed over on Friday, were done with Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) funding and are part of an ongoing procurement process, but did not elaborate on what further equipment will be acquired.

At the moment, the police are facing “many challenges,” Cachalia said, with concern about their capabilities. “Today is not a moment for doom and gloom – it’s a good day. It demonstrates over time we can address challenges and equip the police with the resources it needs to address crime.”

“As part of our efforts to advance and intensify our crime fighting efforts, we deemed it necessary to add the two brand new H125 (ZT-REC and ZS-HGA) helicopters as well as the 12 Marshall vehicles you see here today, to our existing fleet,” Masemola said in his address.

“Resources of this kind are crucial in the fight against crime, especially serious and violent crime, hence we deemed it necessary to acquire them. The helicopters and vehicles will definitely be beneficial to our members deployed in specialised units of the SAPS like Special Task Force, Tactical Response Team, National Intervention Unit, Public Order Policing and Visible Policing. This new fleet will play a critical role in responding to organised crime incidents such as crash-in-transit heists, hijackings, armed robberies including many other serious and violent crimes. The helicopters will enable us to respond rapidly to crime scenes and serve the people of South Africa timeously and effectively.”

Segomotso Tire, Executive Manager Business Development and Industry Support at Armscor, explained that the H125 and Marshall acquisitions were done through the state-owned defence materiel agency. Armscor has been offering its services to other state-owned entities in addition to being the SA National Defence Force’s primary acquisition agency.

She said the relationship with the SAPS has been there for a few years now, but there is an intention for the police to use Armscor more regularly. “It is a symbiotic relationship we will continue to nurture.” She added that Armscor can remove the burden of carrying out acquisitions for the SAPS, and has also assisted the Border Management Authority and Department of Correctional Services in acquiring equipment.

The post Two new Airbus H125 helicopters handed over to the SAPS appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The vehicles, along with two new Airbus H125 (Squirrel) helicopters, were formally handed over to the SAPS on Friday morning (3 October) at the Police College in Pretoria in a ceremony attended by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

According to Paramount, the initial batch of 12 vehicles marks the first phase of a staggered delivery programme. Cachalia said the acquisitions were done with Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) funding and are part of an ongoing procurement process, but did not elaborate on what further equipment will be acquired.

Derived from experience with Paramount’s Maverick internal security vehicle (used by Brazil, Ghana, Togo, and Zambia, amongst others), the Marshall was adapted to SAPS requirements and underwent extensive testing and refinement ahead of delivery.

On behalf of Paramount, the company’s Dr Mathews Phosa said the Marshall is a proudly South African product and can be maintained locally. “As Chair of Paramount South Africa I’m proud to hand this equipment to you,” he said to Cachalia and Masemola.

“This is a proud moment for South Africa. The Marshall is more than a vehicle – it is a symbol of our ability as a nation to design, engineer, and manufacture advanced solutions that directly address our country’s challenges. Working hand-in-hand with SAPS, we have created a platform that will protect our police officers, embolden their capabilities, and ultimately safeguard our communities,” said Lindiwe Tshabalala, CEO of Paramount South Africa.

“Paramount has supplied internal security solutions to many countries across Africa and globally, but it is especially meaningful to deliver this capability here at home. The Marshall demonstrates that South Africa’s defence industry remains a global leader – creating jobs, developing skills, and showcasing innovation that places our country at the forefront of security solutions worldwide,” she added.

Cachalia said the 12 armoured vehicles and two helicopters inaugurated on Friday will make an important contribution to the fight against organised crime and will help with public order policing. He said the acquisition is part of a long term effort that began in 2018, to refurbish resources necessary for policing in South Africa. “Such efforts to modernise equipment are part of efforts to improve safety and enhance the police service.”

Cachalia said that the SAPS is in the process of implementing the Farlam Commission’s recommendations (in the wake of the Marikana massacre), with public order policing being restructured accordingly. “It is important police are equipped to ensure peace and order in protest action that unfortunately in our country often turns violent.”

The Acting Police Minister touched on the issue of gang violence, especially in the Western Cape, and revealed that a gang violence plan has been finalised for the province. It will take some time to implement, but it is now in place, he said, and may be rolled out elsewhere such as the Eastern Cape.

In his speech, Masemola thanked the manufacturers for delivering the “much-needed resources” and said their acquisitions will play a critical role in enhancing the SAPS’s operational capacity and capability as well as strengthening national security. “It will enable us to improve our service delivery and increase efficiency in fulfilling our Constitutional mandate of preventing, combating, and investigating crime just to name but a few.”

The Commissioner aid the new resources will help the SAPS respond to crime scenes and also play a critical role in putting the SAPS at an advantage position in the execution of Operation Shanela II crime fighting activities. Operation Shanela II, which is a weekly nationwide operation targeting serious and violent crimes in hotspots across the country through raids, roadblocks, and stop and search among others, has been producing “good results” since its launch. “Just this week we arrested more than seventeen thousand suspects —17 247 to be exact — for various offences ranging from illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and substances, among others. This is the results of the work of the men and women in blue across the country,” Masemola said.

The Marshall vehicle provides ballistic and blast protection to STANAG 4569 Level 1, with a monocoque hull and “smart floor” technology enabling rapid reconfiguration for missions ranging from riot control and tactical response to high-risk prisoner transport. With a kerb weight of 12 500 kg, a payload of 2 500 kg, and the ability to transport eight personnel at speeds up to 110 km/h, the vehicle also integrates a 360-degree camera system, public address system, advanced sensor and vision technology.

“Beyond supporting SAPS, the Marshall underscores South Africa’s position as a global exporter of advanced defence technologies, proven by Paramount’s track record of supplying armoured solutions to police and military forces to more than 20 countries around the world,” Tshabalala said. “Paramount has long been committed to building sovereign defence capacity, ensuring that the design, engineering, and assembly of these advanced vehicles directly benefits the local economy.”

Paramount’s long history of supplying comprehensive internal security solutions to many countries across Africa spans internal security armoured vehicles, aerial solutions for police air wings, pilot training, unmanned aerial vehicles, reconnaissance and surveillance systems, as well as a wide range of protective gear for police forces.

The post SAPS receive a dozen Marshall internal security vehicles to enhance riot control capability appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Stallion Integrated, as part of the Stallion Group, is redefining the security landscape. Founded in 1991 as a guarding company, Stallion has evolved into a Level 1 BBBEE provider of integrated business solutions, combining people, technology, and innovation. By harnessing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the company is delivering measurable improvements in detection accuracy, response times, and decision-making, while ensuring that human guards remain at the centre of security delivery.

Overseeing more than 300 sites and 3,700 cameras nationwide, Stallion’s control rooms utilise AI to monitor high-risk activities, including perimeter breaches, unauthorised vehicle access, and loitering. Moreover, the system learns each site’s unique patterns, from staff movements to deliveries, to filter out false positives. This has reduced nuisance alarms by almost 98%, enabling controllers to act only on genuine threats.

“The implementation of AI isn’t here to replace guards, but to make them safer and more effective,” said Riaan Willemse, GM: Operations & IT at Stallion Integrated. “By filtering nuisance alarms, our teams can focus on real threats, whether it’s suspicious movement along a fence or unusual vehicle activity at access points.”

The integration is seamless, with AI overlaying onto existing CCTV systems and transforming standard cameras into smart analytics tools. All activity, including alarms, patrols, incidents, and CCTV, is consolidated into an Electronic Occurrence Book, providing clients with a single, transparent reporting platform. Furthermore, guards actively conduct tests to ensure system integrity, allowing them to respond with greater situational awareness. Beyond intrusions, Stallion’s systems also detect tailgating, fire, smoke, and flooding.

The technology has shown a tangible impact across industrial sites, logistics hubs, residential estates, and retail centres. Licence plate recognition, linked to national databases, has led to multiple arrests at shopping centres, while, in another case, suspects fleeing a Tshwane Metropolitan Police roadblock attempted to scale an estate wall. Stallion’s monitoring flagged the breach, armed response intervened, and police used Stallion’s intelligence to track and arrest the remaining suspects – a clear demonstration of private innovation supporting national security efforts.

Looking ahead, Stallion plans to expand its AI capabilities into health and safety monitoring, detecting falls, flagging non-compliance with protective equipment, and managing overcrowding. Furthermore, fully integrated site and building management solutions are also in development. All systems are underpinned by strict data protocols, with sites connecting via VPN to secure control rooms and personal data safely retained within Stallion’s environment.

“AI is redefining how security is delivered. By combining technology with trained personnel, we’re not only responding faster but preventing crime and creating safer environments for businesses and communities across South Africa,” concluded Willemse.

The post When security officers and AI work together: Stallion Integrated’s new face of security appeared first on ProtectionWeb.