After sustained pressure from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu has confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will begin deploying body-worn cameras in April 2025. This announcement was made in response to a DA parliamentary question, signaling a step forward in efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in law enforcement.

According to the minister, SAPS plans to purchase 100 body-worn cameras this year, each costing approximately R28,818, totaling R2,881,800 annually and R14,409,000 over five years. While the cost of the initiative has raised concerns, the DA believes that the value for money can be realized if the rollout is handled transparently and efficiently.

However, with nearly 179,000 police officers in South Africa, the deployment of just 100 cameras this year is seen as insufficient to realize the full benefits of the program. The DA has urged the minister and SAPS to accelerate the rollout and implement an effective asset management strategy to prevent loss, theft, or damage to the cameras. Without proper tracking and accountability measures, the initiative risks being undermined.

The DA emphasized the importance of comprehensive training for officers to ensure proper use of the technology. They also stressed that body-worn cameras are a vital tool for improving public trust, protecting officers from false claims, and enhancing overall accountability in policing.

“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 party stated, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding public safety and improving transparency in law enforcement.