FAQ's
How quickly does WatchTower Group respond when something is detected?
Once a controller confirms a threat, the relevant services are dispatched within five minutes. Our system uses cloud-based AI to analyse camera feeds, so there can be a 45 to 90 second window between an event and its review. That window allows accurate analysis and fewer false alarms, without slowing the response that matters.
What happens when your system detects someone on my property?
Our smart detection analytics flag people and vehicles entering set trigger zones and send a video alert to our 24-hour control room. A controller reviews it straight away. Harmless activity is dismissed. A genuine threat is escalated to your armed response company, SAPS or on-site security, and your key holders are notified.
Is offsite CCTV monitoring better than a night guard for my estate or business?
For most perimeters, yes. A guard covers one area, takes breaks, and can be distracted. Smart detection watches every camera, all night, 365 days a year, and every alert is reviewed by a trained controller. Many estates and businesses use monitoring to reduce guarding costs, or alongside guards to support them.
Who watches my cameras, and are your controllers PSIRA-accredited?
Your cameras are monitored from our operations centre in Cape Town by trained controllers accredited by PSIRA, the industry’s governing body. Every controller completes an extensive training programme. Alerts are randomly assigned across controllers, so each one gets an independent review, and no single person handles a property alone.
Who can see my camera footage, and how is my privacy protected?
Your camera footage is stored safely in our secure cloud, hosted on servers abroad. Alerts are viewed only by operators within our control room who are responsible for actioning them. When armed response is dispatched, responders receive only a snippet showing the person involved in the alert. Your footage is never shared with members of the public without your permission as its owner.
Does monitoring still work during load shedding or if the internet goes down?
Monitoring during load shedding or an internet outage depends on the backup power and internet connectivity available at your premises. Your cameras and internet connection need to remain online for monitoring to continue.
Our control room has multiple power sources and internet connections for redundancy, making outages on our side rare.
Do I still need armed response if my cameras are monitored?
Yes. WatchTower Group monitors and dispatches; your armed response company responds on site. When a threat is confirmed, our controllers dispatch your chosen provider and can also call SAPS, private security or emergency medical services. Monitoring means your response team arrives with a clear picture of what is happening.
Can you monitor my existing cameras and alarm?
In most cases, yes. We set up a secure feed from your existing CCTV system to our analytics platform, so a new system is usually not needed. You will need internet connectivity and remote access to the system. We also monitor burglary and fire alarms, and our VIP service combines alarm and CCTV monitoring with a private Telegram group.
Can you secure an estate’s perimeter, gates and guardhouse?
Yes. Smart detection flags anyone who breaches the perimeter. License plate recognition checks vehicles against a database of high-risk vehicles. Our emergency intercoms connect guardhouses and foyers to the control room at the press of a button, and loudspeakers let controllers warn intruders before they get any further.
How do I get started, and where do you operate?
Call 087 8200 911 or email info@wtgroup.co.za for a proposal tailored to your property. Once your cameras go live, a 14-day learning period lets our AI learn the environment while our team fine-tunes your monitoring. We protect homes, estates and businesses in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.