Dear UCSI Supporters
The UCSI continues to play a significant role in our community fight against crime. The support offered to Security companies, SAPS and Law Enforcement and even the CPF groups is critical in monitoring who is moving in and out of our areas. The UCSI has been able to assist SAPS and the community with valuable support and information.
December was a strangely quieter month on the cameras. The positive hits were low but most hits were actioned with some sort of outcome, positive or negative.
UCSI Operational Stories
1st Dec: A vehicle was reported stolen in Boston. It was loaded to the response group. A quick response from Knight Security, Sompisi Protection, Magma security and Swartburg security resulted in the vehicle been stopped outside Mpophomeni. Vehicle was found to be legit, and it was cleared off snipr.
2nd Dec: Another stolen vehicle activated the camera in Hilton area. A search ensued in the Hilton CBD where the vehicle was found, stopped and investigated. Turns out that vehicle was legal but using false plates that were from a stolen vehicle. Thank you to SAPS, Knight security, Magma, Winterskloof, Red Alert, National and MI7.
2nd Dec: This time a stolen vehicle was activated on the UCSI/SAPS response group. Communication group was used to co-ordinate a search in Hilton area. Vehicle was found and recovered in Durban eventually.
3rd Dec: A member of public requested a check on a vehicle that may have been involved in house break-in. A search for movement was made when Read Alert security informed us that the vehicle had been stopped earlier and nothing was found. Vehicle was allowed to leave. Team work getting things done on time.
11 Dec: Vehicle alerted system in Boston area. Sompisi Backed up by Knight stopped the vehicle. Boston SAPS confirmed vehicle to be cleared and was allowed to continue.
11 Dec: A hi-jacked vehicle activated cameras in Merrivale. Vehicle did not match the description given but was followed and stopped by Sompisi and Magma. Vehicle was escorted to SAPS for Processing.
15 Dec: Another incident making use of the UCSI response group. PMB SAPS requested assistance with a road block to catch two speeding vehicles coming up N3. An accident happened and Security services took charge of scene till SAPS and RTI arrived.
21 & 24 Dec: Karkloof anti poaching members requested checks on various vehicles traveling in the area at night. One vehicle was loaded to snipr for suspicious activities
28 Dec: Another vehicle traveling at erratic times in the Karkloof area was followed and stopped Umngeni traffic department. Vehicle found to have expired license but allowed to leave due to fact of transport a patient to hospital. We will arrange another stop soon.
29 Dec: A Hilton report of attempted house break-in. With a description of the vehicle I managed to find a vehicle that matched. Residence member was very sure that vehicle was the one used in incident to lift gate. Various security companies searched for the vehicle, Cameras found vehicle arrive in Howick area where Knight security found and stopped it. Vehicle was cleared as occupants did not fit description given. Unfortunately the suspect vehicle was not found but the exercise proved that team-work even between competitive security companies works well.
30 Dec: During storm which closed the N3 an affiliated member of UCSI requested a check on a vehicle stuck on the highway. Young lady was been harassed by occupants in another vehicle. I managed to get to the vehicle with assistance from Umngeni traffic officer. Situation was diffused and Lady calmed. I continued with assistance in clearing trees from roads.
31 Dec: A murder suspect was apprehended by Security services after a camera activation outside Midmar Building Supplies. Following via cameras through Howick area vehicle was stopped, Driver arrested and vehicle impounded.. Thank you to Knight, Magma and SAPS.
A Big Thank You:
To Anew Hotel Hilton, Anthony and his team. They have sponsored WIFI data for one of our gantries. Together with their electricity we should never have down time again.
To SNIPR support for the donation of extra data in various gantries helping us keep costs down.
To I-Uncapped for sponsorship of wifi for the operations office and 2 gantries.
To Magma Security services, They are placing two gantries in Hilton area for UCSI viewing. This will give us better direction in looking for vehicles in CBD.
Other news from the office:
We have moved our office down the hall to form a hub point with HDLA, Fire protection and Midlands security. The projected Ops room is fully kitted out, so we will have a centralized point of contact for all information sharing. All that needs to be done is staffing. We have some ideas on how to and will be in contact with various stakeholders to assist.
Any suggestions would be most welcome though.
Affiliated security companies
Magma Security, Sompisi Protection Services, Knight Security Solutions (KSS) and Ballid Security as subscribing security companies to the UCSI.
How can you get involved?
The UCSI will not be sustainable without monthly community support from business entities, shopping centers, hospitals, schools, estates, security companies and private individuals. Please join the UCSI as a contributing member. There are still some critical gantries that need to be erected – primarily in the Merrivale and Mpophomeni areas.
Contact Deon from the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or whatsapp 063 068 9652 for more information on how to join and contribute. Private individuals from R50pm and business entities from R300pm. Affiliated members have access to ask for assistance in any reported crime involving a vehicle.
We even have some access groups to assist with find your lost pet...
The UCSI is also able to issue Section 18A certificates for CAPEX and OPEX donations of any amount.
Stay safe – we got this!
Yours sincerely
Deon Tegg Operations Manager
The UCSI Board of Directors
Themba Ndulini (Chairperson), Krish Ramkuber and Terence James
Please follow us on https://www.facebook.com/Umngeni-Community-Safety-Initiative-UCSI-NPC-2254674914795820. You will notice that very little information is shared to the open forum of FB, but I am l looking into how to share without compromise.
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