SAPS to roll out bodycams in 2025

Updated Feb. 19, 2025, 8:01 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

SAPS has announced the planned introduction of body cameras for its police officers.

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) is set to introduce body-worn cameras for officers. This move is aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed that the rollout will begin on April 1, 2025.

The project is a step forward in improving policing practices, ensuring that interactions between officers and the public are recorded for both accountability and protection.

The initial phase will see the procurement of 100 body cameras, each costing approximately R29,000, bringing the total investment for 2025 to R2.88 million.

Over the next five years, procurement costs are expected to reach R14.4 million.

Mzamo Billy, a parliamentary member of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, welcomed the initiative, emphasising its role in strengthening public confidence in the police.

He highlighted that body cameras could protect officers from false accusations while ensuring that law enforcement remains transparent and accountable.

“The use of body cameras is a vital tool for enhancing trust in policing. It also helps prevent frivolous claims and lawsuits against officers,” Billy noted.

🚔 We must better equip SAPS to fight crime! Lengthy administrative processes, such as slow vehicle repairs, put communities at greater risk. It is time to decentralise policing to competent provinces, ensuring swift responses, safer streets & proactive crime prevention. pic.twitter.com/VS98fb8JhS
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) February 11, 2025

While the introduction of body cameras is widely supported, concerns have been raised about the limited initial rollout and the risk of loss, damage, or theft.

Billy stressed the importance of a strong asset management plan to ensure the cameras remain effective and are properly tracked.

“With only 100 cameras per year, it’s crucial to have proper safeguards in place to prevent losses and maintain the integrity of this initiative,” he added.

The implementation of body-worn cameras is expected to be a positive step toward modernising SAPS operations.