South Africa’s Gauteng province has launched a tamper-proof, high-tech number plate system, marking a significant step in the region’s crime prevention strategy.
Provincial premier Panyaza Lesufi said the new intelligent number plate system incorporates forensic QR codes, tamper-evident decals and a fully digitised tracking portal to enhance vehicle identification and traceability.
“With the help of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, we are now deploying a digital system that ensures we able to account for every vehicle on our public roads,” Lesufi said.
South Africa has long struggled with high crime rates, particularly carjackings, which remain a major concern for law enforcement.
Criminals frequently use cloned or fraudulent number plates to evade detection, making vehicle-related crime difficult to track and prosecute.
Lesufi said the new system will help authorities account for every vehicle on public roads, ensuring that fraudulent plates are eliminated.
“Those who are using fraudulent or duplicate number plates will have no space or time to drive on our roads,” he said.
The system will undergo a six-month pilot phase before a province-wide rollout.
The new number plate system forms part of Gauteng’s Provincial Integrated Crime Prevention Strategy, which aims to stabilise taxi violence hotspots, promote responsible road usage and improve traffic management.
JN/APA