South African Police Harness Social Media and Tech to Combat Crime

In a forward-thinking stride to combat crime in South Africa, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is tapping into the digital realm to track criminal activity. A specialized team has been established within SAPS to survey content on prominent social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and the platform formerly known as Twitter, referred to as 'X' in this context. This innovative initiative was highlighted recently when police apprehended suspects in a Bloemfontein robbery, fueled by evidence gathered from videos shared on social media.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, speaking with radio station 702, outlined how a vigilant citizen's video post was instrumental in the arrest of two male suspects accused of robbing students in Bloemfontein. The footage provided visual evidence and critical details like vehicle number plates that enabled law enforcement officers to identify and detain the perpetrators. This success story serves as an exemplary case where community engagement with police efforts has effectively contributed to improving public safety.

Furthermore, the story extends beyond social media. South African police have upped their technological game by collaborating with mobile network operators to pinpoint the real-time locations of cell phones. This capability was pivotal in June 2024, when SAPS's elite Hawks unit rescued a kidnapping victim in Woodstock, Cape Town. Monitoring of the victim's active cell phone, alongside analysis of banking transactions linked to the suspects, led to the prompt and successful intervention by the police.

Brigadier Mathe cautions, however, that while citizen participation is invaluable, people should not endanger themselves while attempting to capture crimes on camera. She advises individuals to only record videos when it is safe to do so, or otherwise to memorize and report descriptive details.

The proactive steps by SAPS to incorporate technological advancements in their policing strategies exhibit a shift towards a more modern, responsive approach to crime-fighting in South Africa—a country that has long battled with high crime rates.