Schreiber deploys drones, body cams for Easter border patrol
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has unveiled four drones and 40 body cameras that will be used by the Border Management Authority (BMA) during the Easter holidays.
The technology is aimed at combating illegal border crossing and corruption.
The drones have been equipped with advanced night vision cameras, including thermal detection technology, and can travel at 43km/h.
The minister briefed the media in Pretoria on Thursday.
Powered by Artificial Intelligence, the devices can recognise and lock onto heat sources, moving people, or vehicles and are capable of operating in remote rural areas, without access to GPS.
The drones launch within 15 seconds, are durable, waterproof, and work in all weather conditions.
Schreiber said eight officers had been trained to become expert drone pilots and they would be rotated around different ports in the country.
“The BMA will now permanently deploy this cutting-edge technology on a full-time basis, our message to would-be illegal immigrants and smugglers is clear: for the first time, we are now watching the borderline during the day, at night, we can see your body heat wherever you try to hide, and we will catch you," he said.
