CCTV crime busts: One Cape Town area dominates the list
Cape Town’s CCTV network helped make 52 arrests in January – and one area accounted for more than a quarter of police requests.
Cape Town’s extensive CCTV network is playing an increasing role in crime detection, and one area stands out when it comes to police requests for footage.
During January 2026, the city’s camera system detected 3 078 incidents, ranging from by-law violations and fires to traffic incidents and suspected crimes.
The network also helped lead to 52 arrests, while the South African Police Service requested CCTV assistance in 42 cases.
Just over half of those requests resulted in positive outcomes. However, one area accounted for a significant portion of those investigations.
Nyanga generated just over a quarter of all SAPS requests for CCTV footage during the month, highlighting the role of surveillance in crime investigations.
Cape Town expanding its CCTV network
Cape Town’s surveillance network has grown to more than 1 200 cameras across the metro, focusing on high-crime areas, public spaces and key infrastructure.
The City’s Metro Police Strategic Surveillance Unit manages the network and oversees its expansion.
In the current financial year, the unit is rolling out new installations and infrastructure valued at nearly R14.4 million. By mid-February, 85% of the work had already been completed.
New cameras are being installed in areas including Langa, Beacon Valley, Brown’s Farm, Macassar, Morningstar, Durbanville, Electric City and Malibu Village.
Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the system remains a powerful crime-fighting tool.
“Cape Town’s CCTV journey has been going for more than 25 years and it remains one of the best force multipliers for both enforcement and emergency services,” he said.
Longer-term goals
In the next financial year, the City will begin work on a long-term CCTV infrastructure project in areas that currently lack fibre connectivity.
These include the corridor between Khayelitsha and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, the deep south, and parts of the southern suburbs between Wetton and Rondebosch.
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