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Controversial Johannesburg CCTV Bylaw Sparks Crime-Fighting Debate
The City of Johannesburg’s newly promulgated bylaw regulating private CCTV cameras has drawn criticism, with experts arguing that residents should have been consulted before its implementation. The bylaw, which prohibits the sharing of CCTV crime footage on social media and requires cameras facing public spaces to be registered with the city, has sparked a heated debate on privacy and crime prevention.
The regulation states that CCTV cameras showing public areas such as roads must be approved, registered, and cannot be moved, updated, or removed without consent. Additionally, crime footage captured by these cameras cannot be shared online or via messaging platforms such as WhatsApp.
Also Read: Joburg Introduces CCTV By-Law to Strengthen Crime Prevention
Retired crime expert Johan Burger from the Institute for Security Studies believes the city should have engaged residents before enforcing the new rules, acknowledging concerns over potential misuse of CCTV footage.
“I think one should be able to assess what is in the best interest of security within the community. More discussions and consultations were necessary before regulating CCTV usage,” Burger said. “Ordinary citizens have not had the opportunity to properly express their views. I only learned about this bylaw through media reports.”
Sarah Wissler, chairperson of Johannesburg’s public safety committee, defended the bylaw, stating that it aims to protect people’s privacy rather than interfere with security measures.
“Imagine a bank robbery where the criminals escape through a neighborhood and accidentally hit a mother and her baby. The footage can be shared with law enforcement but not on social media, preventing strangers from watching such a traumatic event online,” Wissler explained.
Under the new law, security footage can only be accessed through law enforcement with a valid case number. Previously, community policing forums, private security firms, and residents frequently shared CCTV crime footage.
Dr. Hennie Lochner, an expert in violent crime research, emphasized the importance of CCTV cameras in crime prevention.
“Criminals fear being seen more than being arrested. Visibility allows identification, which is the foundation of crime prevention. Of the 15 or 16 security measures available, the top three are CCTV cameras, proper lighting, and perimeter security,” Lochner told TimesLIVE.
While Burger acknowledged concerns over CCTV cameras being misused, such as monitoring neighbors’ properties, he warned that sharing footage with private security firms or community forums could pose risks.
“You could unintentionally expose sensitive information. There needs to be clear guidelines on who can access footage and under what circumstances,” he added.
Lochner, however, believes that requiring approval to install cameras could hinder crime-fighting efforts.
“If my CCTV camera captures a break-in at my neighbor’s home, that footage is crucial for solving the crime. Applying for approval could slow down investigations. CCTV remains the most effective crime prevention tool,” he argued.
Despite concerns, the city has assured residents that camera registration will be free and that inspections will be conducted before approval. However, the debate continues on whether the bylaw will strengthen privacy protections or weaken crime prevention efforts.
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