Cape Town — Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu has agreed to allow South African Police Services (SAPS) officers to wear body-worn cameras that will start in April 2025.
In a statement, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Mzamo Billy said the party’s sustained pressure has led to the decision by Mchunu to allow the roll-out of body-worn cameras for the 2025/26 financial year.
The Minister confirmed that SAPS will start the process of buying 100 body-worn cameras, estimated to cost R28 818 each, leading to an annual total cost of R2 881 800 per year, and R14 million over five years.
“Although the high cost is a concern, the value for money from this initiative can be easily realised if implemented transparently and efficiently,” Billy said.
He said it was a positive step but given that there are nearly 180 000 police officers in South Africa and the deployment of only 100 body-worn cameras is too low and could delay the full benefits of the initiative.
Police body cameras are set to be rolled out from April. Crime expert Calvin Rafadi says they welcome the move but they’re not ignorant about corruption and red tape in crime fighting. #eNCA #DStv403 #QuestionThinkAct pic.twitter.com/oPQS2ihaYf
— eNCA (@eNCA) February 18, 2025
“To ensure that these valuable resources are not lost, damaged, or stolen, an effective asset management plan must be put in place,” Billy said.
“At only 100 cameras a year, the risk of this initiative being undermined by preventable losses is high. Without proper tracking and accountability measures, the rollout could be whittled away to almost none within a few years,” he added.
The DA urged Minister Mchnu and SAPS to accelerate the rollout and ensure police officers are properly trained to ensure the technology is used effectively to protect the public and the officers.
The DA maintained it would hold SAPS accountable to ensure the project does not become a broken promise to the people of South Africa.
“The DA believes that the use of body cameras is vital for enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust in policing. It is a vital tool to also support officers on the ground to avoid frivolous claims and lawsuits by malicious individuals,” Billy concluded.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
