Sandton Central, known as South Africa’s commercial hub, is home to a wide array of national and international corporate offices, financial services, businesses, and is also a popular international tourist destination. With its high-profile status, the safety and security of the precinct are considered top priorities. To safeguard this key district, Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) was established, funded by local commercial property owners, to ensure a seamless experience for businesses and visitors alike.
In 2019, Vumacam, a specialist in smart city surveillance solutions, partnered with the Sandton Central Improvement District (CID) to enhance security measures within the precinct. The ultimate goal of the partnership was to create a high-tech, integrated security network which would enable greater safety, while leveraging technology to improve community well-being. Vumacam’s vision was to extend its CCTV network into non-residential areas, such as commercial hubs, large precincts, and city improvement districts, with Sandton Central identified as a prime location to pilot this security system.
Vumacam launched its CCTV security system in Sandton Central in May 2020, with an initial installation of 57 SafeCity Poles, equipped with 216 CCTV cameras, with plans for expansion to a total of 238 cameras. These cameras feature a combination of Overview Cameras and License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology. The system’s capabilities allow for real-time monitoring, detection of suspicious activity, and rapid response to detected threats, the company said.
To support this high-tech surveillance, Vumacam established an independent offsite monitoring control room, called the Offsite Monitoring Specialist Centre, which operates with Vumacam’s proprietary Proof software. This software includes license plate recognition and advanced analytics to flag abnormal activities. Alerts are immediately sent to designated security personnel, including Sandton Central’s tactical partner, Night Guard, with support from the local Community Policing Forum (CPF).
The system’s success is built on collaboration, with Sandton Central Management integrating the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) into the control room to facilitate better coordination and faster response times. Additionally, 36 Servest Public Safety Ambassadors (PSAs) have been deployed as initial responders and urban monitoring teams, further strengthening the precinct’s security network.
Smart Security with a Community Focus
One of the standout features of this CCTV system, Vumacam said, is its ability to gather valuable data insights. Beyond enhancing security, the system provides valuable analytics on pedestrian and vehicle movements, contributing to urban planning initiatives and improving the overall flow of traffic. It also acts as an essential tool for monitoring potential threats, ensuring timely intervention to maintain public safety.
“The system’s integration with local security teams and law enforcement has proven effective in addressing crime in the precinct. Since its implementation, the CCTV network has contributed to the detection and prevention of various criminal activities, including robberies, assaults, attempted carjackings, and drug-related crimes. Alerts related to Vehicles of Interest (VOI), flagged by the control room, have enabled Night Guard to respond to security threats both inside and outside the Sandton Central precinct,” Vumacam said.
A Blueprint for Safer Precincts
“The success of the CCTV system in Sandton Central has positioned the precinct as a leader in the fight against crime. By joining forces with the greater ecosystem of crime-fighting initiatives, Sandton Central has become part of a broader effort to increase monitoring capabilities and enhance proactive policing. The system has not only improved safety but also demonstrated how technology-driven solutions can be effectively integrated into urban security efforts,” Vumacam said.
Vumacam’s SafeCity approach, in partnership with the Sandton CID, has resulted in a significant improvement in safety and security within the precinct. Through collaboration and innovation, Sandton Central has embraced a future-focused approach to crime prevention, reducing criminal activity while ensuring a safer environment for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
“As Vumacam continues to prioritize safety through its smart city security solutions, the Sandton Central model stands as a blueprint for future precincts across the country. It showcases the power of technology in fostering safer communities and underscores the potential of integrated, high-tech security systems in safeguarding urban spaces,” Vumacam concluded.
