Varney explains that Vumacam’s network consists of poles with two license plate recognition cameras and one overview camera per configuration. The configuration is adaptable, depending on whether the area has high vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Additionally, poles are integrated with solar panels and power management systems to ensure continuous operation.

One of Vumacam’s biggest advantages, is its partnership with sister companies. Vumacam is part of a large group, which includes Vumatel, Dark Fiber Africa, and other significant fibre operators, enabling efficient infrastructure deployment.

Currently Vumacam has 7 000 cameras in public spaces, primarily in the city of Johannesburg, with recent expansion into the Western Cape and ongoing opportunities in the Eastern Cape, Polokwane and Mpumalanga.

Having first partnered with the City of Johannesburg, Vumacam has grown its relationship with the public sector to include the Gauteng provincial government. Commenting on the partnership, Varney noted Vumacam enables the provincial government, “with the data that comes with our platform, they’re able to dispatch the SAPS, the Highway Patrol, Flying Squad, and the Crime Prevention Wardens.”

The platform has significantly improved response times, said Varney, reducing from 18 – 30 minutes to 5 – 10 minutes. This he said, is “because the data that we’re using is so accurate, you’re able to then pinpoint, verify the alert that comes in, and pinpoint exactly where those [necessary] resources need to be dispatched.”

Public-private partnerships have allowed for seamless data sharing and effective crime reduction, with private security companies providing backup for public law enforcement, and vice versa. Previously, when private security companies intersected with an incident, guards were left waiting for law enforcement to arrive to affect the necessary arrests. Now, Varney notes, Vumacam is “able to ensure that we can provide backup for each other,” with this being key to reducing crime.

“We understand that we can’t do it on our own, but the ability for the public sector and the private sector to be able to work together has been massive, and I think something that we’re probably most proud of,” said Varney.

Vumacam’s network has facilitated significant crime prevention initiatives, including the interception of vehicles of interest across different regions. The benefit of multiple parties loading data onto a shared platform means if a vehicle is loaded due to an incident in one area, and is picked up in another, nearby parties or authorities can be notified to intercept.

In such a scenario, responders are notified with more than just vehicle info, said Varney. The number of suspects spotted inside the vehicle, and the crime it is believed to be involved in, are some of the alerts that can be shared.

“So you know [if] it’s a violent offender, you can approach with caution. You know, don’t take a knife to a gunfight,” said Varney.

“Our secret sauce is that we allow all of our partners, everyone who has access to the network, to be allowed to load their vehicles, deliver their SOPs to their customers in their own way, but benefit of the crowd sourcing, so to speak, of everybody loading data, and that’s ultimately how you eradicate crime.”

Looking to future opportunities, Varney notes “our future is bright,” and stated Vumacam plans to densify a national network. “We want to continue to work with the with the industry itself, to grow the density of our of our camera network,” he added. Future modules for Vumacam’s platform will allow operators to track vehicles by make, model colour and specific identifying features.

“We understand that, as soon as a vehicle is stolen, generally, the number plate is removed from the vehicle, but vehicles all have identifying markets. Whether it’s three license discs up the windscreen or logo on the roof, or roof racks on the roof, or paint, missing [the] side mirror. All of those become opportunities for us to continue to add value to the access that our customers have.”

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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.

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