Dear Editor
After sustained pressure from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Minister of South African Police Senzo Mchunu has finally agreed to begin deploying police body-worn cameras, confirming that the roll-out will start in April 2025, as stated in his written reply to a DA parliamentary question.
According to the minister, the South African Police Service (SAPS) will this year begin the process of buying 100 body-worn cameras at an estimated cost of R28 818 each. This is a total cost of R2 881 800 per year and R14 409 000 over the next 5 years.
Although the high cost is a concern, the value for money from this initiative can be easily realised if implemented transparently and efficiently.
While this is a positive step, given that there are nearly 179 000 police officers in South Africa, the deployment of only 100 body-worn cameras this year is too slow and could delay the full benefits of this initiative.
To ensure that these valuable resources are not lost, damaged, or stolen, it is crucial that an effective asset management plan is put in place. 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.
We urge the Minister and SAPS to prioritise the urgent implementation of this initiative by accelerating the rollout, ensuring proper training for officers, and guaranteeing that the technology is used effectively to protect both the public and police officers. In addition, an asset management strategy must be established to safeguard the cameras and ensure their longevity and proper usage.
The DA will continue to hold SAPS accountable to ensure that this project does not become another 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.
Regards
Mzamo Billy MP
DA Member on the Select Committee on Security and Justice
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