Serious legal risk for South Africa’s police drones
Although the South African Police Service’s (SAPS’s) use of drones can help to deter and fight crime in the country, criminologist Kholofelo Rakubu has warned that it could land the SAPS in legal trouble.
Speaking to Cape Talk, Rakubu explained that, unlike static cameras, drones could track individuals across private property, raising serious privacy concerns.
“Remember issues of privacy and constitutional considerations,” she said. “Any expansion of area surveillance must be accompanied by clear operational policies.”
Without proper control, the use of surveillance technology could undermine and erode public trust, Rakubu said.
“Before a drone can be used anywhere, there are prescripts in place that must be followed,” she said. “There are multiple issues when it comes to where to use drones in particular.”
She added that failing to consider legal and constitutional boundaries could result in the violation of human rights and the violation of privacy.
However, she acknowledged that drones do provide policing benefits, describing them as “force multipliers” in the fight against crime.
“Drones do improve surveillance. They increase visibility, strengthen intelligence gathering, and mostly support rapid operational response,” Rakubu said.
“They increase presence. They serve as a capable guardian, but what’s important is where you use that drone.”
The SAPS first started using drones in 2022. In August 2025, acting minister of police Firoz Cachalia announced plans to train more officers to become drone operators.
Responding to Parliamentary questions, Cachalia said the SAPS planned to train 100 officers to become drone operators in 2025/26.
“The SAPS is actively enhancing policing efforts by leveraging existing technology infrastructure and software investments of government and private entities,” Cachalia said.
At the same time, the acting minister acknowledged that little progress had been made in another key technological upgrade for the police: equipping officers with body cameras.
“The procurement of body-worn cameras has not yet been finalised as the process remains in the contracting phase,” he said.
Drones in private security
Several private security companies in South Africa have also been using drones in their operations to help deter and spot criminals.
Fidelity ADT was among the first operators to adopt the technology through a partnership with certified drone operations company UDS Group.
It first trialled the drones in the greater Fourways area for two months during 2021 and then extended to other suburbs, estates and shopping centres.
In 2025, it expanded operations into areas like Woodmead and Hurlingham Manor and in 2026, launched automated, self-docking drone networks in luxury estates like Steyn City.
ITOO Risk Solutions drone expert Kopano Tholo said the private security industry could use the technology to enhance the safety of operations and of the general public.
“Drones allow for surveillance without escalation as they reduce the need for immediate physical presence,” Tholo said.
“For instance, they are equipped with thermal imaging, high-zoom cameras, and artificial intelligence analytics that can monitor high-risk areas in real-time, night or day.”
Streetpole camera surveillance provider Vumacam recently partnered with Drone Force, a docked drone provider, through which it plans to enhance surveillance and situational awareness.
“This partnership introduces a formidable new dimension of intelligent, integrated security,” the company said.
Drone Force is a specialist in CAA-compliant unmanned aircraft systems that are housed in docking stations and can be remotely activated.
“These ‘drone-in-a-box’ solutions can launch, land, and recharge themselves, ensuring constant readiness in most weather conditions, day or night,” Vumacam said.
Vumacam said the combination of its ground-level intelligence and Drone Force’s aerial coverage and situational awareness would be highly beneficial.
“The result: elevated protection, faster response times, and seamless coverage across both urban and private environments,” Vumacam said.
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