Gauteng’s Crime Fighting Efforts Falter as R10.8 Million Drone Program Fails

Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Community Safety’s ambitious drone initiative, designed to enhance crime prevention and increase police visibility, has encountered a significant setback.

Despite an exorbitant expenditure of R10.8 million on the acquisition of 33 drones, plus an additional five provided by the Department of e-Government, only one drone has been registered for active duty in the past year.

This alarming situation has sparked serious concerns regarding the programme’s effectiveness and the security of Gauteng’s residents.

According to the department’s 2023/24 Annual Report, the province currently boasts a total of 38 drones earmarked for crime prevention operations.

However, Crezane Bosch, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety, disclosed that only a single drone has been registered with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

This blatant inefficiency has left the province’s crime-fighting efforts in disarray, leaving residents exposed to criminal threats.

The R10.8 million spent on drones has also been flagged as irregular within the annual report, further intensifying the controversy.

Despite the substantial financial outlay, the department has faced challenges in launching the programme, citing delays in CAA accreditation and other bureaucratic obstacles.

The report mentioned that 22 officials have been trained as drone operators, with plans to expand training in the 2024/25 financial year.

Additionally, it stated that the current drones would be deployed to priority crime hotspots based on SAPS crime statistics.

Yet, with just one drone authorized for use, these plans appear to be far from achievable.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s commitments to a technologically advanced approach to fighting crime now seem like missed opportunities.

The department’s annual report acknowledged its dependence on other state bodies for the programme’s implementation, which has resulted in significant delays.

“Prolonged processes were encountered during the initiation phase of the PICC project,” the report indicated, noting that recovery strategies are being implemented to accelerate completion.

Bosch remarks: “As Gauteng residents continue to grapple with increasing crime rates, the failure of the drone programme highlights a concerning divide between promises made and results delivered.

“With millions invested and minimal outcomes, the province’s crime-fighting strategy is in dire need of a boost, both literally and figuratively.”

Bosch asserted that the DA has long advocated that for high-tech crime prevention methods to be successful, the Gauteng government must first address fundamental issues.

“This includes equipping all police stations with the essential resources to combat crime, such as police vehicles, personnel, and adequate infrastructure,” Bosch added.

He stated that the DA will persist in holding Premier Lesufi accountable for his management of the Department of Community Safety, ensuring Gauteng residents reap the benefits of the significant investment in these drones.

“We demand clarification on the timeline and details concerning the ongoing accreditation process for operating these drones,” Bosch stated.

“We will also be closely monitoring the specifics regarding the irregular expenditure on drone procurement.

“Residents of Gauteng are weary of being promised grand visions, only to find themselves left in unsafe situations with unfulfilled expectations.”

*This article first appeared in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za