CCTV Notice

Last updated: 31 May 2026

The Plumstead Neighbourhood Watch operates a network of street-facing CCTV cameras throughout the PNW precinct. This notice explains, in plain terms, why the cameras are there, what happens with the footage, and how you can raise a query.

Operator and controller

• Operator: Plumstead Neighbourhood Watch NPC (CIPC NPC 2018/308882/08), 38 Lympleigh Road, Plumstead, 7800.
• Information Officer: Anthea Klugman, Chairperson — chairperson@mypnw.org.za · 072 675 9777.

Why we use cameras

• To deter and detect crime in public streets within the PNW precinct.
• To support investigations by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
• To assist PNW patrols and provide situational awareness during incidents.
• To help locate missing persons and respond to community emergencies.

Cameras are positioned to view public streets and shared spaces. They are not intended to view private interiors, and care is taken during installation to avoid intrusion onto private property by using privacy masks on the cameras.

What we record

Cameras record video footage. Some cameras include audio capability. We do not own or manage LPR cameras.

How long footage is kept

Footage is retained for a short period — typically 3 to 5 days, with a maximum of 30 days. After this period the footage is automatically overwritten on a rolling basis. Footage may be retained for longer only when:

• It has been preserved in connection with a specific incident or SAPS case (CAS) reference; or
• We are required by law, court order or regulator to keep it longer.

Who can access footage

• Vetted PNW members trained in the project's standard operating procedures and who have signed Non-Disclosure Agreements.
• SAPS investigators in connection with a specific case, on request.
• Service providers strictly to the extent needed to maintain the system.

Access is logged. Footage is not made available to the general public, is not posted on social media by the project, and is not shared with private investigators or the press.

Sharing footage

There might be times that still images and video footage are shared with vetted members of PNW, security providers, SAPS and other Law Enforcement Agencies in real-time while an event is unfolding, to provide real-time situational awareness and the information required to prevent, stop, or apprehend a suspect.

Footage quality

The cameras are overview cameras and are installed to be used to obtain vehicle and clothing descriptions, not to record faces and licence plates of people and vehicles.

Requesting footage

If you believe footage from our cameras may relate to an incident affecting you, please:

• Open a SAPS case and obtain a CAS number — without this the footage will not be provided.
• Contact us via the online form as soon as possible to preserve the footage — footage older than 5 days is unlikely to still be available.

We provide footage to SAPS through proper channels. Direct release to private parties is not possible without lawful authority.

Compliance and oversight

The project operates within the framework of South African law, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the policy framework of the City of Cape Town governing externally owned CCTV cameras.

Your rights

You have the same rights in respect of CCTV footage as you do for other personal information. These are set out in our Privacy Policy and POPIA Notice. You may contact the Information Officer to raise a concern, request information, or lodge a complaint.

Complaints

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator at inforegulator.org.za.