Durban CBD sees drop in serious crime as private patrols, CCTV and clean-up drive expand

Durban’s central business district has seen a fall in visible serious crime after the rollout of private patrols, surveillance technology and intensified clean-up efforts, according to IOL.

Who is involved and what changed

According to IOL, the eThekwini Municipality said a strategic partnership with Ensure Ubuntu is delivering improvements in safety, cleanliness and social upliftment in Durban’s inner city. The partnership combines foot ambassadors, tactical vehicles and monitoring technology with cleaning and greening work.

Crime and enforcement figures

According to IOL, statistics recorded a 28% reduction in visible serious crime since Ensure Ubuntu began patrolling the Durban CBD 14 months ago. IOL reports that Ensure Ubuntu’s 24/7 quicker response times contributed to lower crime rates.

According to IOL, Ensure Ubuntu’s team has responded to more than 100 incidents and, together with Durban Metro Police and Durban Central, Point and Umbilo SAPS, has arrested 290 people. IOL also reports that approximately 80% of the arrests were made in the first three months of the operation.

Surveillance, equipment and city maintenance

According to IOL, Ensure Ubuntu has fitted Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in strategic areas to identify vehicles used in crimes, and operates real-time body cameras monitored from a control centre. The organisation’s ambassadors patrol on foot and are backed by tactical vehicles.

According to IOL, the partnership has also focused on cleaning: Ensure Ubuntu has collected over 841 tons of litter and waste and is planning anti-litter campaigns, additional bins and mobile toilets.

Wider impact

According to IOL, Nkululeko Mkhize from the city’s Economic Development Directorate said the collaborative approach is contributing to economic revitalisation by creating a more attractive and secure environment for investment, trade and small business growth.

Voices from the project

“If an ambassador reports that somebody’s phone was stolen, we either assist in the recovery of the phone or at least assist the citizen who’s in distress. We have also identified areas that needed a clean-up and work alongside the municipality,”

Kyle Connolly, chief executive officer of Ensure Ubuntu, speaking to the eThekwini Matters Podcast, as quoted by IOL.

What remains planned

According to IOL, Ensure Ubuntu plans further public-facing measures including anti-litter campaigns, more bins and mobile toilets aimed at public transport passengers arriving after long journeys.