CoCT's Eye-in-the-Sky is 'the future of crime fighting in Cape Town'

John Maytham interviews Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town.

Listen below.

On Monday, the City of Cape Town showcased its cutting-edge crime-fighting aerial surveillance technology during a simulated search, rescue, and car chase scenario.

Known as ISR, or Eye-in-the-Sky, this piloted two-seater aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art cameras, providing high-definition aerial imagery to enhance policing operations.

This innovative technology assists in combating a range of crimes, including poaching, land invasions, fires, illegal street racing, gang incidents, and vehicle theft.

Unlike drones, this aircraft covers larger areas, remains airborne for extended periods, and is less affected by adverse weather conditions.

RELATED: City of Cape Town has an 'Eye in the Sky' to curb crime

Hill-Lewis acknowledges that while it may not offer a complete solution to combating crime, he sees it as a positive stride forward, labelling it as 'the future of crime fighting in Cape Town.'

He emphasises that when combined with other technologies like drones, dashcams, bodycams, and gunshot detection, they form a potent arsenal for crime prevention.

"The footage from the camera is ultra high definition."

- Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town

"Everyone must now think that if they're about to commit a crime, it [Eye-in-the-Sky] could be watching."

- Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.