Dr Graham Wright
South Africa's persistent crime challenges demand innovative and proactive crime prevention solutions. While law enforcement agencies play a critical role in maintaining public safety, collaboration between the private sector and the state has proven to be a force multiplier in crime prevention.
One such programme that has yielded significant results is the Eyes and Ears Initiative (E2), a partnership-driven approach that enhances the ability of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to respond swiftly to criminal activities.
The E2 is built on the principle of real-time intelligence sharing between approved private security companies, other approved non-private security role-players and the SAPS. Our E2 members have deployed assets in various communities, business districts, and industrial areas - serve as force multipliers, reporting incidents of crime and suspicious activity to the E2 Monitoring Centre, in Johannesburg.
E2 Monitoring Centre has also ensured the continuous presence of an E2 Controller in each of the nine SAPS Provincial Operational Command Centres (POCCs). SAPS officials are made aware of any incident that was reported to the provincial POCC via the E2 Monitoring Centre and can alert the SAPS accordingly. At the same time, specific selected incident types are escalated to SAPS's National Operational Command Centre (NOCC), where a second E2 monitor is in place to ensure coordination at the highest level with the SAPS.
This structured collaboration model has already demonstrated its impact in preventing crime and stopping major incidents before they escalate. By bridging the gap between private security intelligence and police action, the E2 Initiative has enhanced the SAPS's ability to send the required resources to a verified incidents, leading to more proactive policing rather than reactive responses and better utilisation of the SAPS’ resources.
Endorsements from SAPS Leadership
The success of the E2 Initiative has not gone unnoticed at the highest levels of law enforcement. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has lauded the initiative, stating that the partnership between SAPS and private security companies has been "highly effective" in enhancing public safety. General Masemola emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that it enables SAPS to utilise the extensive geographic deployment of the private security industry (PSI) to create situational awareness through the SAPS’ control centres. The E2 Initiative is one of a few signed initiatives between the private sector and the SAPS.
Provincial Success in Combating Extortion
An alarming crime trend that has gained traction in recent years is extortion, particularly within large infrastructure and building projects. Criminal groups have increasingly targeted developers and construction companies, demanding "protection fees" under the threat of violence or work stoppages.
In some incidents, the brazen extortionist have demanded that their ‘labour force’ or ‘members of the their ‘business forums’ are employed on the project. Left unchecked, this not only increases costs and inflation on projects, including the public sector, but will also threatens investor confidence and economic growth.
Recognising the urgent need to curb this practice, the E2 has incorporated a dedicated extortion response initiative. This initiative has seen notable success at the provincial level, especially in regions like the Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal, which have been particularly hard hit by the extortion economy.
When a business reports extortion attempts through the program, E2 engages with the company to assess the situation and mobilises the appropriate authorities. This includes:
- the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
- the SAPS Units (such as the Extortion Task Team, if applicable)
- Community Policing Forums (CPFs)
- Local Councillors
- Key municipal departments, including public safety
The approach follows the "broken windows" policing principle, where persistent visibility and enforcement in high-risk areas deter criminal elements before they can establish control. This means:
- Meetings with the contractors and the SAPS and the setting up of communication channels with the relevant role players before the construction starts.
- Regular patrols in and around construction sites.
- Increased observation of individuals attempting to initiate extortion demands
- Security presence during major deliveries or key phases of construction
- Ongoing support for businesses, ensuring that threats do not escalate
The goal is not just crisis response, but the creation of an environment where criminals fail to establish a foothold in extortion operations. By applying sustained law enforcement pressure, coupled with community engagement, the program helps businesses continue operations without the burden of criminal interference.
A Model for Sustainable Crime Prevention
The Eyes and Ears Program is a testament to what can be achieved when state and private sector resources are aligned towards a common goal—reducing crime and strengthening the rule of law. While crime remains a significant challenge in South Africa, initiatives like E2 demonstrate that targeted interventions, real-time intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement can turn the tide.
As this program continues to expand, it serves as a blueprint for future public-private partnerships in crime prevention. If scaled correctly, it has the potential to reshape the way we combat crime—not just in specific sectors like construction, but across all industries where criminal syndicates attempt to exploit businesses. Retail, logistics, and even small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face increasing criminal threats, from organised shoplifting syndicates to cargo hijackings and protection rackets. The E2 Initiative, with its proven track record in construction, could be adapted to provide early warning systems and rapid intervention strategies across these sectors as well.
To fully realise this potential, businesses must actively participate in the program, reporting criminal activity and collaborating with law enforcement. Communities can bolster these efforts by supporting local policing forums and advocating for stronger security partnerships. Policymakers, in turn, should facilitate the expansion of E2 through legislative backing, increased funding, and a regulatory framework that incentivises private-sector involvement in crime prevention.
Now more than ever, collaboration is key. By strengthening the link between the private security sector and SAPS, we reinforce a fundamental truth: crime prevention is not the responsibility of law enforcement alone—it requires the collective effort of all stakeholders committed to a safer South Africa.
Dr Graham Wright on behalf of Business Against Crime South Africa.
BUSINESS REPORT