In a significant move toward enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement, South African Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has announced plans to deploy body-worn cameras for police officers.

The revelation came in a written Parliamentary response to Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament (MP) Billy Mzamo, with the rollout set to begin in April 2025.

However, concerns have been raised about the slow pace and limited scale of the initiative.

According to Minister Mchunu, the South African Police Service (SAPS) will commence the procurement of 100 body-worn cameras this year, at an estimated cost of R28,818 per unit.

This translates to an annual expenditure of R2.88 million, with a total investment of R14.4 million over the next five years.

While the initiative has been welcomed as a positive step, critics argue that the deployment of only 100 cameras in a country with nearly 179,000 police officers is insufficient to achieve meaningful impact, says DA in a statement.

The cost of the cameras has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether the investment will deliver value for money. However, DA MP Billy Mzamo emphasized that the initiative’s success hinges on transparent and efficient implementation.

“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,”said Mzamo.

“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 has vowed to hold SAPS accountable to ensure that the body-worn camera project does not become another unfulfilled promise to the South African people.

“The DA will continue to monitor this initiative closely to ensure it delivers on its potential,” Mzamo said. “This is not just about technology; it’s about restoring faith in our police service and ensuring justice for all.”

As South Africa takes its first steps toward equipping police officers with body-worn cameras, the focus must remain on transparency, accountability, and efficient implementation. While the initiative marks a positive shift, much work remains to be done to ensure it delivers on its promise of a safer, more accountable policing environment.