South Africa Deploys Drones and Body Cams to Bolster Border Security
South Africa is ramping up border security this Easter with the deployment of cutting-edge surveillance technology, including drones equipped with advanced night vision and thermal detection systems, and 40 body-worn cameras for frontline officers.
Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, April 10, described the rollout as the “biggest step forward for enhancing border security and management.” “Data shows that when we first trialed the use of drones over the festive season, the number of attempted illegal crossings that were successfully prevented increased by 215%,” said Schreiber. He added that the Border Management Authority (BMA) will now permanently deploy drone technology.
Four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be used at the country’s ports of entry during the long weekend. The drones, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), can detect body heat, track moving people or vehicles, and operate in GPS-denied or underground environments. Capable of speeds up to 43 kilometres per hour, the drones will monitor remote and rural areas where illegal border crossings are common.