Netstar partners up with Vumacam for SafeCity project

Netstar, the company that is responsible for vehicle tracking and telematics has gotten into a partnership with Vumacam on its SafeCity initiative to enhance surveillance across the Gauteng province.

The Vumacam SafeCity Initiative is about using extensive CCTV camera network to bolster security and visibility in coverage areas, and Netstar is looking to leverage the technology to identify suspicious activities rapidly.

The company said it is critical to understanding criminal patterns to aid crime prevention and support criminal investigations.

“Furthermore, Netstar will be able to employ video verification using Vumacam’s cutting-edge license plate recognition to assist with vehicle location and thus shortening vehicle recovery time.” – it added.

Grant Fraser who is the managing director for Netstar Group said the initiative will also benefit their Gauteng-based customers. “With this new partnership, we are extending our offering to give customers an extra layer of protection,” – he said. “Should a client’s vehicle tracking device be compromised for whatever reason, we will now also be able to monitor the whereabouts of the vehicle by tapping into the SafeCity network of CCTV cameras.” – he added.

The CEO of Vumacam, Ricky Croock said the initiative has led to more than 400 “interceptions” each month and reiterated the importance of forming partnerships like the one it has with Netstar. “We have seen how our technology is helping to turn the tide against crime in Gauteng with current interceptions sitting at over 400 monthly,” – he added.

Croock said these interceptions are driven not only by their advanced technology but also by their collaborations with partners like Netstar. The SafeCity initiative and network of cameras are currently only available in Gauteng, with future expansion planned for other South African metros.

The initiative recently expanded to the City of Tshwane, with Vumacam erecting the first surveillance pole in September 2023.