Joburg Water turns to technology, armed response to curb crime

Joburg Water (JW) has turned to technology to beef up security after 85 incidents of  criminality at their sites.

In its annual integrated report for the 2021-2022 financial year, JW said the incidents were reported as of June 30 2022.

Of this figure, there were 28 incidents of theft of property such as batteries, lights and solar panels, among others, 25 copper cable theft incidents, 21 incidents of vandalism, eight of armed robbery, one of murder and two of injury on duty.

“Some of the security challenges experienced include criminal incidents against employees and security guards in the line of duty, theft and vandalism of infrastructure and assets...” reads the report

JW said to reduce the number of these incidents, initiatives such as an annual threat and risk assessment, were conducted to identify risks and mitigations for all company sites.

It said a tactical armed response company was appointed to prevent high-risk incidents by armed criminals.

“This service is also used to escort our employees into volatile areas. An automation plan for the top 10 high-risk sites that have experienced a high number of infrastructure vandalism and injury/assault of security guards has been concluded,” the report stated.

This plan will include the introduction of CCTV and alarm systems to alleviate incidents of crime.

“This plan was informed by market research to determine the suitability of effective electronic and technical security equipment to ensure pro-activeness, early detection and the deterrence of future incidents.

“The research was based on two aspects, Online Security Intelligence and Integrated Security System for CCTV and Alarm System. A tender for the automation of the first five sites is under way for implementation in the 2022/23 financial year.”

Joburg Water said it would comment on whether the tender had been awarded and give an update on incidents reported on Friday. 

kokam@sowetan.co.za