The UCSI continues to quietly, but effectively, play a significant role in our community fight against crime. The support offered to Security companies, SAPS and Law Enforcement 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.
UCSI Operational Stories
8 Sep: I found that specific vehicle, suspected of poaching in the area was not using the road out of Howick towards Tweedie. It was suspected that he/she was using a dirt road to avoid the camera or possible to use drive by opportunity to steal livestock between railroad and Stockowners property. A request was put through to the local farmer to lock his gate at night, This was done and ever since, this vehicle has been seen using the main road. Prevention is certainly better than cure.
10 Sep: In Hilton SACan requested a check on cameras for a suspect camera that was impersonating a "Sheriff of court". After a couple of hours searching cameras I found what could have been the suspected vehicle. Problem; complainant did not want to open SAP docket. Now I can not use the information I have gathered and all that time wasted.
Even an incident report will give us power to stop the next infringement. No report means no action.
15 Sep: Assisted Eskom with in camera hits for a theft out of warehouse. We had only times and general descriptions to work with. We identified some possible suspect vehicles which were followed up on by investigating office. A vehicle fitting one description was found in Mpophomeni.
16 Sep: This was a disaster day for UCSI. Two vehicles stolen in Hilton and UCSI was "blind". For the simplest reason; the gantry had run out of data to transmit. We have made a plan for this gantry; ANEW Hotel in Hilton are sponsoring WiFi signal to the camera so we will have minimal down time going forward.
Thank you Andrew from Anew Hotel Hilton.
19 Sep: Magma spotted a suspect poaching vehicle in Karkloof area. Unfortunately an entry mistake by myself meant I did not see vehicle on the camera system. This mistake has been identified and assisted in rectifying other loaded vehicles been missed too.
Mistakes are made, your reaction to the mistake is important.
26 Sep: A suspected poaching vehicle reported in Karkloof area. Vehicle movement was checked and enough evidence found to load vehicle onto snipr for further observation.
No incident is too small to follow up on.
1 Oct: Suspect poaching vehicle alerted on Hilton cameras. Karkloof security informed, but vehicle did not enter area.
We are always watching.
6 Oct: A suspected stolen vehicle was seen in the Hilton CBD. Hilton rapid response personnel reacted and followed. Vehicle became aware and decided to leave the area.
Prevention is mostly better than cure.
11 Oct: I received a message from Karkloof security member about an abandoned vehicle in Otters Bluff area. A brief search showed some erratic travels but nothing to be alarmed about. However an unrelated contact from Midland Tracker member; They are looking for a hijacked vehicle which fit the description of vehicle in Otters Bluff. I gave information to PMB response group so they could react. Following information sent to me I was able to guide reaction force to the vehicle itself. SAP and Tracker took over case and UCSI stood down.
Sharing information results in positive outcome for every one.
18 Oct: In the early hours a suspect poaching vehicle was flagged coming into Hilton from Sweetwaters area. We kept sight of it all the way into Howick. Magma caught up to vehicle as it was filling fuel. We think the driver spotted the security vehicle and decided to leave Howick towards Merrivale were he lost us. This was a long journey to just fill up with fuel.
Prevention is better than cure.
21 Oct: SACan notified of a suspected vehicle involved in Cell tower battery theft. Vehicle loaded to Snipr system and followed all the way to Bulwer area where various security companys and SAP stopped and searched vehicle. No unlawful goods found so SAP had to release. However, one person in vehicle was recognized later as a wanted suspect but only after release. Later in afternoon vehicle was spotted by camera in Bulwer returning to Howick area. Security companies and SAP waited near N3 on ramps where vehicle was stopped and suspect arrested. In this incident, 7 security companies and 3 SAP stations were involved in apprehending a wanted criminal.
Sharing information and working as a team always wins.
30 Oct: 10h20 (this time is important). A vehicle was reported as hi-jacked on Hilton security group. UCSI spotted that the vehicle was traveling towards Hilton from Merrivale. KSS loaded to Snipr system so we could follow it. Hit at Rotunda, hit at Crompton road. Magma Hilton stopped vehicle at 10h38 (18 minutes from report to stopped). SAP arrested suspects. The owner of vehicle was still filling out paperwork at police station when his bakkie was returned. This has got to be a record for fastest recovery?
Ability to respond in time will catch someone.
Affiliated security companies
The UCSI welcomes Sompisi Protection Services from Mpophomeni, who have joined 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 centres, 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. There are also two “holes” to close in the Hilton area.
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 has access to ask for assistance in any reported crime involving a vehicle. Please dont ask me to follow your Husband/Wife/partner; That will not happen!
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
More about UCSI