Drone patrols and teamwork boost estate security

GEORGE NEWS - What does the security landscape look like for 2026 and beyond?

This was the million-dollar question at the first-ever 'In Conversation with Fidelity' panel discussion last week, with Major General Johan Booysen, retired provincial head of the KwaZulu-Natal Hawks, as a guest speaker.

The event was hosted at the Kingswood Golf Estate with representatives of Fidelity Services Group, the police, local neighbourhood watches and the residents of various estates.

The ingenious use of drones to monitor the perimeters of estates, shopping centres and virtually any property protected by security services is truly impressive. Equipped with night-vision cameras, video capabilities and the ability to capture registration numbers, these drones feed critical information to the personnel on the ground. Within seconds, a responsive team can be deployed to intercept and neutralise potential threats.

The team of Fidelity: Ian Loubser (head of estates and lifestyle), Lorraine Bartmann (regional executive, Western Cape) and Wayne Groves (Garden Route branch manager). Photos: Michelle Pienaar

"The use of AI and technology will increasingly form part of the way we operate and protect," said Kevin Whateley, head of Fidelity's technical division.

Asked about privacy and complaints, Whateley said it takes only one night-vision photo of someone scaling a wall to convince residents of the advantages. It is also possible to blur the residential areas and focus on the perimeter for shared footage.

Booysen, who joined the Fidelity team eight years ago after his retirement from his 40 years of service with the police, said he has seen the relationship between the police, law enforcement and the private security industry evolve in leaps and bounds in the past decade. "Crime has increased exponentially for various reasons, because of migration, socio-economic and other factors. It has exacerbated the burden on the police," said Booysen.

He said the security industry collaborates with the police, law enforcement and the community as a force multiplier to fight crime. "The private security industry has technological and other assets that are shared with the police to combat and investigate crime. Because SAPS management has recognised the security industry as a strategic partner, I predict that collaboration between the police and the security industry will grow ever stronger."

The retired provincial head of the KwaZulu-Natal Hawks, Major General Johan Booysen. He is nationally responsible for investigations and liason with law enforcement, for the Fidelity Services Group.