The Fourways Improvement District (FID), in partnership with Fidelity Services Group and other key partners, continues to strengthen security operations within the area, achieving significant crime prevention successes in the past quarter (December 2024 – February 2025).
“The FID was founded and is sponsored by a number of property owners and business in the area including the largest landowner in the area, Accelerate Property Fund.”
Over the last quarter there has been an increase in the number of law enforcement collaborations, enhanced surveillance, and a proactive approach to illegal trading enforcement, all measures designed to improve the safety in the area.
FID security teams successfully executed 10 arrests over the past three months, working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD). “These arrests were linked to various offenses, including housebreaking, theft, drug-related crimes, and the recovery of stolen vehicles through the advanced Vumacam surveillance system. Additionally, eight crime scenes were attended, demonstrating FID’s rapid response capabilities,” says Wahl Bartmann, Group CEO at Fidelity Services Group.
A key development over the last quarter has been the deployment of Public Space Patrollers to enhance security visibility and community engagement. These patrollers have been trained and strategically deployed to high-traffic areas such as shopping precincts, pedestrian crossings, and informal gathering zones. “Their role is to enhance safety, deter crime, and support enforcement efforts in collaboration with municipal authorities,” Bartmann says.
Bartmann says illegal street trading remains a persistent challenge, but recent enforcement actions have led to significant strides in compliance. Three major operations targeting unauthorised vendors and hazardous food preparation practices were conducted, ensuring adherence to municipal by-laws. “Moving forward, FID’s newly developed Operational Action Plan will intensify crackdowns, enhance monitoring, and increase public awareness efforts,” he says.
In addition to the above measures, FID’s security teams have expanded their focus on infrastructure safety, actively monitoring six key traffic light intersections to detect and prevent vandalism. This initiative has resulted in faster reporting and repair times, reducing traffic disruptions and improving road safety. Further engagement with municipal authorities is planned to accelerate infrastructure repairs and enhance public safety measures.
Looking ahead, FID’s commitment to intelligence-led crime prevention will continue with increased SAPS and JMPD joint operations, expanded surveillance coverage, and improved real-time reporting of security threats.
Priority areas for the next quarter include:
• Strengthening security presence at shopping centres and commuter hubs to counter rising scam-related incidents.
• Deploying Public Space Patrollers to enhance security visibility and community engagement.
• Fast-tracking municipal repairs of traffic lights, potholes, and other critical infrastructure.
• Implementing stricter enforcement against illegal street trading and public safety hazards.
“As security urban challenges evolve, it is critical that we stay ahead with proactive measures and enhanced enforcement strategies. The expansion of patrols, intelligence-led operations, and stronger collaborations with law enforcement partners are all part of our commitment to ensuring a safer environment for Fourways residents and businesses,” says Bartmann.
Fidelity Services Group and all partners who manage the Fourways Improvement District, remain steadfast in their commitment to proactive crime prevention, enhanced law enforcement coordination, and improved public infrastructure monitoring. With continued innovation and collaboration, Fourways Improvement District is positioned as a model for urban security excellence in South Africa.