“Remember issues of privacy and constitutional considerations,” she said. “Any expansion of area surveillance must be accompanied by clear operational policies.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without proper control, the use of surveillance technology could undermine and erode public trust, Rakubu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added that failing to consider legal and constitutional boundaries could result in the violation of human rights and the violation of privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, she acknowledged that drones do provide policing benefits, describing them as “force multipliers” in the fight against crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Drones do improve surveillance. They increase visibility, strengthen intelligence gathering, and mostly support rapid operational response,” Rakubu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“They increase presence. They serve as a capable guardian, but what’s important is where you use that drone.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Responding to Parliamentary questions, Cachalia said the SAPS planned to train 100 officers to become drone operators in 2025\/26.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The SAPS is actively enhancing policing efforts by leveraging existing technology infrastructure and software investments of government and private entities,” Cachalia said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The procurement of body-worn cameras has not yet been finalised as the process remains in the contracting phase,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several private security companies in South Africa have also been using drones in their operations to help deter and spot criminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fidelity ADT was among the first operators to adopt the technology through a partnership with certified drone operations company UDS Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDrones in private security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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