Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's mobile surveillance vehicle, nicknamed "Loerbroer," has been relaunched after a five-year absence. The R6-million vehicle was initially purchased in 2010 to bolster security during the Fifa World Cup and continue fighting crime afterwards. Loerbroer's surveillance system provides 360-degree, long-range monitoring day and night, detecting a person from up to 10km away and identifying someone carrying a firearm at distances of about 3km.
The vehicle's return comes after years of questions over why it was allowed to remain out of action for so long. Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwa Lobishe issued a stern warning to those behind infrastructure vandalism and other criminal activity, stating that their time is up. The relaunch marks the end of a drawn-out process to get Loerbroer operational again, with mechanical and software problems, and replacement components sourced from abroad.
Democratic Alliance councillor Gustav Rautenbach, who nicknamed the vehicle "Loerbroer," had campaigned for its return for five years. He expressed relief at the vehicle's relaunch, hoping it will be utilised to thwart criminal activity, especially municipal assets and vandalism. The City's MMC for safety and security, Luyanda Lawu, acknowledged Rautenbach's persistence and stated that Loerbroer's return will make a positive impact in reducing crime.
Lawu appealed to residents not to treat Loerbroer as an enemy when it enters their communities, urging them to see it as a tool intended to protect them. The municipality has increasingly turned to technology to stay ahead of criminals, including a drone project launched in July by the Mandela Bay Development Agency. However, another piece of its technology-driven crime-fighting arsenal, the gunshot-detection system, remains offline since December 2023.
Lobishe stated that the return of Loerbroer demonstrates the municipality's commitment to strengthening safety, improving tactical visibility, and intensifying crime prevention. She described Loerbroer as a mobile command unit capable of helping bridge the gap between municipal departments, metro police, and the South African Police Service. The initiatives form part of a broader, integrated approach to public safety.
The municipality's investment in technology and security infrastructure includes surveillance drones, fibre infrastructure, and CCTV cameras in crime hotspots. Lobishe referred to the cooperation agreement signed between the municipality and the SAPS at Wolfson Stadium in September 2024, ensuring that law-enforcement agencies work together rather than in isolation.
With Loerbroer back in action, the municipality aims to reduce crime levels and provide a powerful tool for law enforcement. The vehicle's advanced monitoring technology will give teams the eyes and ears they need to detect criminal behaviour early and deter syndicates before they strike.
Key points
- Loerbroer's surveillance system provides 360-degree, long-range monitoring day and night.
- The vehicle's return aims to combat cable thieves and infrastructure vandals.
- The municipality has invested in technology and security infrastructure, including surveillance drones and CCTV cameras.
