Drone Force specialising in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that are capable of autonomous launch, landing, and recharging. This partnership leverages Vumacam’s extensive network of cameras and license plate recognition technology alongside Drone Force’s “drone-in-a-box” systems to provide continuous aerial surveillance, legally compliant with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations and PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority) accreditations.

Drone Force’s autonomous drones operate from docking stations that allow them to deploy in various weather conditions, day or night. When integrated with Vumacam’s fixed camera infrastructure and real-time video intelligence platform, the drones add a critical aerial perspective that complements the ground-based coverage. This integration creates a more complete security picture, enabling faster and smarter resource allocation in crime monitoring and intervention.

The combined surveillance capabilities enhance situational awareness for security teams and law enforcement, providing a new vantage point that criminals find harder to evade. Vumacam’s CEO, Ricky Croock, highlights that this partnership elevates surveillance to new heights, ensuring safer communities through faster interventions and better intelligence sharing. Drone Force CEO, David De Lima, emphasizes how the synergy between their drone systems and Vumacam’s extensive camera network results in an effective Drone First Response solution, which improves response times and ultimately saves lives.

Vumacam’s mission is to use video technology and collaboration to make South Africa safer. This partnership with Drone Force is a natural extension of that mission, combining cutting-edge ground-based and aerial surveillance technologies to provide actionable intelligence in real time. Together, they aim to foster safer, smarter cities where people and businesses can thrive with enhanced security.

Vumacam provided an example of one operation in which a Drone Force pilot identified a fire during an aerial patrol. “Within minutes, a K9 Unit was deployed, uncovering a suspect burning stolen cables. The drone continued to monitor the scene while ground units responded,” it said. The Drone Force pilot’s actions led to the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen cables.

Michael Lever, 24/7 Drone Force’s Technical Director, said: “We are proud to partner with Vumacam in advancing compliant, integrated drone operations at scale. By fusing Vumacam’s extensive CCTV and analytics-driven SafeCity network with our docked drone technology, we can deliver aerial coverage seamlessly integrated into existing monitoring platforms. This creates a unified operational picture that strengthens situational awareness, speeds up incident response, and optimises resource deployment. The ability to layer aerial intelligence over Vumacam’s proven analytics engine marks a significant step forward in South Africa’s security ecosystem—making interventions smarter, faster, and more effective.”

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In line with Afhco’s strategic focus on social upliftment, community development, and inner-city regeneration, the company has invested R10 million in the rollout of 123 state-of-the-art Vumacam CCTV cameras across identified areas. This investment aims to significantly contribute to improving safety and restoring confidence in the inner city.

Afhco’s partnership with Vumacam began in 2019, when they first invested in a surveillance network in the End Street precinct. This new investment strengthens the collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders and reaffirms Afhco’s long-term commitment to revitalising the inner city.

The first cameras have seen great success over the last period with many positive stories being shared. During the 2024 calendar year the network facilitated 76 interceptions and 60 arrests.

One such interceptions led to the recovery of 20 stolen laptops. Vumacam’s Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) network identified a vehicle wanted in connection with the theft of 20 laptops from a hotel in Midrand.

Members of JMPD’s Tactical Response Unit (TRU) were dispatched to the vehicle’s last known location in Braamfontein, where they intercepted the vehicle. When questioned the suspect admitted involvement in the theft. All 20 stolen laptops were recovered, the two suspects were detained and the vehicle impounded.

This example reflects the immediate and tangible benefits of enhanced surveillance and monitoring capabilities.

Kevin van den Heever, Managing Director at Afhco, said at the unveiling of the new infrastructure, “We are proud to partner with Vumacam and Jozi My Jozi in addressing one of Johannesburg’s most pressing challenges – crime. The expansion of the camera network will play a crucial role in making the inner city safer for all who live and work here.

This initiative supports a more secure environment and contributes to changing the perception of the inner city, attracting new investment and fostering urban renewal. We are optimistic about the positive impact this initiative will have and trust that the relevant authorities will continue to support and uphold these efforts.”

The additional cameras on the network are now live and being monitored through Centr – one of Vumacam’s operations that offers clients off-site monitoring support.

“The wave of support from corporates, organisations and community alike to get involved in fixing and securing the CBD demonstrates the power of effective partnerships between the public and private sectors,” says Bea Swanepoel, CEO of Jozi My Jozi. “The success of Vumacam and Afhco working together with other invested stakeholders highlights the transformative potential of such collaborations in paving the way for a safer Joburg for all.”

Michael Varney, Vumacam’s Chief Commercial Officer, explains the proactive approach behind Vumacam’s technology: “Our behaviour-based algorithms have proven instrumental in preventing a range of serious crimes, while ensuring the individual’s right to privacy. The expansion of this network within the inner-city will enhance crime-fighting capabilities and ensure a safer environment for all.”

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The approval of these by-laws marks a significant milestone for technology-driven security solutions in South Africa and represents a major achievement by the City of Johannesburg. Vumacam has long advocated for clear, effective regulations that provide certainty to residents, law enforcement, and security providers, ensuring the responsible use of surveillance technology.

While Vumacam has not yet seen the final draft of the by-laws, it has actively participated in the consultation process, emphasizing the need for greater clarity on access to CCTV footage. A key concern is defining the rights of private security companies to access surveillance data versus the rights granted to public sector law enforcement agencies. Vumacam believes that ensuring effective access for all legitimate and authorized parties is essential to maintaining the momentum in crime prevention efforts.

Vumacam’s extensive CCTV network, deployed at strategic locations across Johannesburg, Gauteng, and other key regions, has proven to be a powerful tool in enhancing crime prevention and response efforts. By integrating private security with public law enforcement, the network has demonstrated the effectiveness of technology-driven crime prevention strategies. Enhanced surveillance has contributed to higher interception rates, faster police response times, and the ability to prevent crimes before they escalate.

Recent crime statistics highlight the impact of Vumacam’s system, with a month-on-month improvement in crime interceptions and numerous successful arrests. In one notable instance, ten dangerous criminals were apprehended in a single day last September through coordinated efforts between Vumacam and its security partners.

Since its inception, Vumacam has prioritized strict data protection and compliance, initially aligning with European GDPR standards in the absence of local regulations and later adhering to South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) once it was enacted.

As the City of Johannesburg moves forward with implementing these new surveillance regulations, Vumacam looks forward to further engagement on this important legislation and to continuing its collaboration with the city and law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime.

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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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One of SA’s leading provider of video surveillance and management solutions, Vumacam on Tuesday announced it had partnered with Hatfield CID to bolster community safety and security.  

It assumed full management of the Hatfield network through Centr – one of Vumacam’s operations that offers clients off-site monitoring support – from 6 June  

The integration of the advanced technology is already showing results with 1763 reads, 82 escalated alerts, 47 dispatched incidents, and two vehicle impounds.

The collaboration will empower the Hatfield CID to leverage Centr’s expertise in First Line Verification (FLV) alerts, seamlessly integrating them into their control room operations for swift response by on-the-ground security teams.

Lucas Lückhoff, CEO of the Hatfield CID, said the integration of Vumacam’s cutting-edge technology into the surveillance operations will streamline our processes and enhance Hatfield CID’s ability to uphold safety and security within the community.

“We are proud to join forces with Vumacam as part of the broader SafeCity network, demonstrating our commitment to combatting crime not only in our immediate vicinity, but also across the Tshwane area. Hatfield is a living laboratory where world-class systems are deployed and tested for the benefit of the capital. Students at the Hatfield Campus of the University of Pretoria and residences in the Hatfield precinct will be the beneficiaries of this world-class technology to improve safety and security. It will greatly assist law enforcement in the area.”

Michael Varney, Chief Commercial Officer for Vumacam, highlighted the immediate impact of the collaboration.

“This partnership will effectively double the reach of the SafeCity network in Tshwane, with the integration of 18 Licence Plate Recognition Cameras and 51 oversight cameras. Our FLV offering through Centr  revolutionises private network surveillance, providing unparalleled efficiency and situational awareness to our partners. We look forward to the Hatfield CID benefiting from our advanced technology first-hand, just as our partners in major metros across South Africa have done.”

He said Centr offers clients the capability to harness off-site monitoring capabilities, leveraging advanced AI and expert oversight to enhance existing control room operations.

“The SafeCity Initiative, powered by Vumacam, represents a collaborative effort between public and private stakeholders to combat crime comprehensively across urban landscapes. Since its inception in Johannesburg in 2022, the initiative has expanded to Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and, more recently, Saldanha Bay. The initiative leverages Vumacam’s extensive network of cameras and smart technology to identify and effectively respond to suspicious activities.”

Varney emphasised the proactive approach behind Vumacam’s technology.

“Our behaviour-based algorithms have proven instrumental in preventing a range of serious crimes, from kidnapping to assault and theft, without compromising individual rights to privacy. Through this initiative, we aim to provide peace of mind to both our partners and the public, ensuring a safer South Africa for all.”

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In February Gauteng premier, Panyaza Lesufi, entered into a memorandum of understanding with Vumacam to gain access to almost 7000 of their CCTV cameras spread across the province.

Vumacam’s network scans and flags between 20000 and 40000 vehicle number plates of interest every day – and flags whether the vehicle has been used in the commission of a crime, leading to between 10 and 15 interceptions and arrests daily.

Vumacam told ProtectionWeb their artificial intelligence technology makes use of algorithms to detect suspicious or unusual behaviour, which is then fed into their central monitoring control room.

“This can be anything from a tree falling across the road to someone jumping over a wall, hitting/punching or attacking someone. This eliminates reliance on human observation and creates a far more encompassing and successful rate of detection. Skilled monitoring teams assess flagged incidents rather than constantly observing feeds.”

“Our License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras detect license plates that have been placed on the Vehicles-of-Interest Database and flag these when passing our cameras – this allows monitoring units to send on-the-ground teams to investigate where they deem there to be a crime in progress, suspicious vehicle, or they suspect a crime is about to take place.”

“The network effect of multiple cameras being used across multiple locations within Gauteng, allows for broader surveillance and the ability to pursue criminals across multiple areas of the province, where vehicles detected in one area may be flagged when passing through another.”

Vumacam said its use of dark screen technology results in non-invasive surveillance but rather, precise and AI-driven surveillance that is rigorous in its protection of data and privacy.

There have been numerous successes since the start of their partnership with the government.

“There have been multiple successes including three individuals apprehended for fraud-related crimes; five vehicles intercepted that were wanted for serious crimes including home invasions, vehicle theft and armed robberies. In these cases, vehicles were flagged, the occupants apprehended and the vehicles impounded. In most incidents, we saw effective collaboration between private security companies, JMPD and SAPS to intercept suspects.”

Gauteng provincial government spokesperson Vuyo Maga said the overall goal is to have a main control room with access to Vumacam’s network as well as SANRAL’s network to track and trace criminals inter-provincially.

“Overall we want to make sure we have the ability to look where crime is happening in the province. We have about 8500 boots on the ground. The guys in the ops centre are able to pick up any crime that is happening and interact with the guys on the ground to respond to that. All the roads will possibly lead to the highway and that’s where you have all the SANRAL cameras situated so working in that comprehensive set up you are able to deter crime and also fight back.”

Vumacam said the majority of major security companies in Gauteng are signed up to make use of their CCTV monitoring services.

“The company’s overall goal is to make South Africa a safer place through the collaboration of private and public law enforcement through the power of technology and underpinned by big business. To ensure that we support the fight against crime through the use of world-class cameras and technology that ensure a more agile, effective and collaborative impact on combating crime. Through our SafeCity initiative we aim to enhance networks and areas of operation and bring more partners on board to ensure greater impact.”

As it stands, Vumacam is planning to extend its network into parts of KwaZulu-Natal, specifically looking at eThekwini.

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