CCTV bylaws not right

NO CONSULTATION: IT WILL HINDER, NOT HELP CRIME-FIGHTING - EXPERTS

- Thando Nondywana

The City of Joburg's proposed bylaw requiring the registration of all private CCTV cameras is raising concerns about the potential impact on crime prevention and privacy.

While city officials argue the move will assist law enforcement, critics, including private security experts, say it could hinder the effectiveness of vital crime-fighting tools.

Andre Aiton, CEO of Beagle Watch Armed Response, warns the bylaw could undermine crime prevention efforts by restricting access to crucial surveillance footage.

Among the regulations, CCTV footage can only be shared with the SA Police Service (Saps) or the Joburg Metro Police Department, and only with proper documentation of its release and receipt.

The bylaw mandates that CCTV cameras capturing public spaces be registered with the city, and any data collected from these cameras can only be used for law enforcement purposes.

The bylaw is pending promulgation.