Zimbabwe City Gets AI Security Upgrade

The city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, has launched a new security initiative featuring closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and artificial intelligence to enhance public safety. The system aims to reduce reliance on physical police presence and improve the ability to monitor and respond to criminal activities.

The project is part of the Smart City policing initiative and is a collaboration between the police, the Bulawayo Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe (BACFOZ), and Safeguard, a local security agency.

Cameras equipped with capabilities such as facial recognition, night vision, and vehicle plate reading have been installed across the central business district to enhance law enforcement’s ability to respond to incidents more efficiently. The AI-powered Face Trace System (FTS) will help streamline biometric identification and monitoring, reducing reliance on manual methods and increasing overall efficiency in policing.

“Policing has to evolve and move with the time just like what is happening in the technological field,” said National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi. “Today we celebrate a milestone achievement for Bulawayo.”

The initiative also includes plans for smart call centers across Zimbabwe, using advanced communication technologies to ensure swift responses to emergencies.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Bulawayo, Judith Ncube, emphasized that the technology will enhance transparency, accountability, and crime prevention efforts.

“This is long overdue and Bulawayo is the first province to unveil such systems. This is important as it will enhance our police tasks and will reduce crime in the city significantly,” Ncube said. “This will greatly assist our workforce in apprehending criminals and will see them become even more effective in executing their duties.”

The Smart City policing initiative is a broader strategy aimed at leveraging technology to address urban safety challenges and improve public service delivery. It aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which focuses on modernizing various sectors of the economy and adopting advanced technological practices.

Source: Chronicle

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October 2, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis