A man (28) from Helenvale has much to be grateful for after first responders came to his aid within minutes after he was wounded in the neck. This, thanks to an alert from Shotspotter technology that simultaneously informs the Metro Police and the South African Police Services of gunfire in the area.
John Best, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security, said the incident is especially noteworthy since the officials managed to save the victim’s life thanks to the technology and the quick reaction from those involved.
“In the majority of cases when we respond to alerts of guns being discharged in Helenvale, the outcome is generally much more detrimental to those involved. It also led to more arrests of suspects.
“It is important to emphasise that Shotspotter, first installed as a pilot project in 2016 and now a permanent fixture since 1 December, helps our first responders to serve the community better and can ultimately save lives.
“We received the shotspotter alert that a firearm was discharged on Thursday at 22:39 and responded immediately to the scene in Deverell Road, Helenvale where it is alleged that the victim was fired at from a white vehicle with tinted windows. He was at a house shop at the time.
“We received notification from those on the scene that the victim was stabilised and in an ambulance en route to the Livingstone Hospital for emergency treatment at 22:50, which means that the crime scene was secured and medical help provided within 11 minutes of the shooting,” MMC Best said.
Depending on budget availability, the municipality is considering the rollout of the Shotspotter Technology in other crime-ridden areas as well.
Colonel Priscilla Naidu, Police Spokesperson, said the technology enables rapid response to crime scenes as the location, where the firearm is discharged, is immediately available enabling first responders to act immediately.
“In the past we had numerous arrests as a result of the technology.
“The suspect in the shooting is unknown and no suspects are arrested at this stage. We are investigating a case of attempted murder,” Naidu said.
NMB Communications
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