South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, under the aegis of Border Management Authority (BMA) has launched four advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, and 40 body-worn cameras and Forty to enhance border management and security and detect and punish acts of corruption.
It was noted that the new technological devices, which are powered by Artificial Intelligence and travel at speeds up to 43 kilometres per hour without access to GPS, will be used during Easter Weekend to monitor the movement of people and vehicles.
Schreiber further revealed that the new development will help to detect and punish acts of corruption while also monitoring the efficiency of officials. Importantly, the cameras are linked to a dedicated Digital Evidence Management System, which ensures that all footage is admissible in court to ensure successful convictions.
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“Our message to would-be illegal immigrants and smugglers is clear: for the first time ever, we are now watching the borderline during the day, we are watching at night, we can see your body heat wherever you try to hide, and we will catch you. As we roll out more and more cutting-edge technology, there are fewer and fewer places to hide for criminals who undermine our national security.” Schreiber declared..
Furthermore, to elevate service provision, the BMA in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, is undertaking a comprehensive, world-class training programme designed to equip eight officers with advanced drone piloting expertise.
