In an effort to fight crime the smart way, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is working towards introducing additional gunshot detection technology in the crime hotspot areas like Helenvale, Gelvandale, New Brighton, Motherwell and Kwazakhele and other crime hotspots, where gun violence is prevalent, in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The shotspotter system, is the latest aid in the fight against violent crime deployed in the city. This gunshot detection surveillance system is a state of art system is used to detect, locate and alert law enforcement agencies of potential gunfire incidents in real time.
This technology is not new to Nelson Mandela Bay as it was introduced in Helenvale a few years back. This full operation of the shot spotter proved to be a huge success as it led to several arrests and removal of illegal firearms in the community.
Due to the expiry of the contract of a service provider that operated the shot spotter it was decommissioned. Appointment of a new service provider is on at advanced stages. The Metro recognises to roll out the technology in other crime hot spots around the Metro and will work on using existing and sourcing extra funds to extend the technology to other hot spot areas.
Safety and Security Acting Executive Director, Mr Shadrack Sibiya said he was encouraged that this technology will be introduced in other areas as an additional crime deterrent amongst other interventions the Metro is undertaking with other law enforcements stakeholders.
“The magnitude of crime and smart way the criminals operate, demands of us to up our game. The use of this technology will not only assist us in detecting gun shots, but will us save lives and more importantly, remove illegal guns in our society,” said Mr Sibiya.
Speaking about this development, the Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk said the approach that the Metro was taking towards crime is aimed at yielding visible result that will help combat crime, save lives, and create a peaceful Metro.
“With more resources that have been deployed by the National police minister, we also have an obligation to invest resources for the law enforcement teams on the ground to stifle criminals and make Nelson Mandela Bay safe again. I have committed that a difference must have been made by Christmas, and beyond. Smart crime prevention strategies will help us realise that goal,” said Van Niekerk.
As part of the crime fighting efforts, the Executive Mayor has introduced and coordinates daily meetings with Municipal officials, and weekly crime prevention meetings with other strategic law enforcement stakeholders to update each other and identify areas of improvement in their crime prevention work. The Executive Mayor is also planning to engage residents face to face with the aim of updating them on initiatives aimed at combating crime and seek community and other stakeholder collaboration and support in combating crime and making Nelson Mandela safe again.
NMB Communications
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