CCTV WATCHING MBABANE; NO PLACE FOR CRIME

MBABANE – Getting used to committing crime in the Mbabane central business district (CBD)? Think again!

The installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in Mbabane’s central business district (CBD) is officially underway, marking a significant step towards enhancing public safety. The Municipal Council of Mbabane’s Information and Public Relations Officer, Lucky Tsabedze, described the initiative as a milestone for the city.

“This marks a big step towards enhancing our city’s safety. This initiative not only promises a safer environment for residents, but also aligns perfectly with the Municipal Council of Mbabane’s smart city goals,” he said. Tsabedze added that the council and residents are working together to build a more secure future for the Kingdom of Eswatini, emphasising that the project embraces innovation and public safety in Mbabane.

Officials believe the expanded surveillance network will be instrumental in not only monitoring general activity, but also in targeting traffic offenders and the persistent problem of petty crime and gang-related incidents within the city’s bustling entertainment districts. The installation comes at a time when Mbabane, like many urban centres, faces challenges related to traffic violations and opportunistic crime.

Traffic

Beyond traffic management, the cameras are expected to play a significant role in addressing the issue of petty crime, particularly pickpocketing and robberies, which often occur around the city’s popular ‘watering holes’. These establishments, while vital to the city’s social fabric, have unfortunately become hotspots for criminal activity. Mbabane, the administrative capital of Eswatini, experiences a surge in activity during evenings and weekends, which, while boosting the local economy, also creates opportunities for criminals.

The city’s central business district, along with areas surrounding the bus rank and market, are known to experience high foot traffic, making them prime locations for opportunistic crimes. The installation of the CCTV cameras marks a significant step in Mbabane’s efforts to modernise its security infrastructure. As the system becomes fully operational, authorities anticipate a noticeable decrease in traffic offences and criminal activity, contributing to a safer and more secure city for all.

Originally developed to prevent crime in private spaces such as banks and shopping centres, CCTV surveillance has, over the past three decades, been increasingly used in public areas such as parks, transport hubs and business districts. Many major cities worldwide now operate extensive CCTV networks linked to control rooms, where video monitors enable continuous surveillance to deter crime and improve public perceptions of safety.
Technological advancements in CCTV systems have progressed significantly, with modern systems incorporating vehicle licence plate recognition, facial recognition, thermal imaging and artificial intelligence.

Prevent

These features, now standard in countries such as India and the United Kingdom, are designed to predict and potentially prevent crimes such as robbery and assault before they occur. The fundamental principle behind CCTV as a crime prevention tool is its deterrent effect, making the public, especially potential offenders, aware that they are under surveillance and face a higher likelihood of being apprehended.

Several African cities, including Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, Gaborone in Botswana and urban centres in Zambia, have adopted CCTV surveillance for crime prevention. Some cities, such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, have made substantial investments in expanding and upgrading their systems to enhance public safety.

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