The South African Police Service (SAPS) has broken its promise to deploy body-worn cameras by April 2025, with zero progress made.
Despite assurances from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, not a single camera has been issued, leaving officers and the public unprotected.
Another Broken Promise
During a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) session, DA Member Mzamo Billy exposed that SAPS has yet to begin the rollout. Minister Mchunu admitted that the tender process is still in early stages, meaning further delays are inevitable.
Why Body Cameras Matter
Body-worn cameras are crucial for:
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Police accountability – Reducing misconduct and false accusations
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Officer safety – Protecting ethical officers from baseless claims
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Public trust – Strengthening evidence and transparency in policing
DA Demands Action
The DA insists SAPS and Minister Mchunu provide:
- A revised, time-bound rollout plan
- Clear deadlines and accountability measures
- Regular public updates on progress
A Failure of Leadership
This delay isn’t just bureaucratic, it’s a betrayal of officers and communities.
The DA will keep pressing for this essential reform to ensure safety and justice for all.
“Without body cameras, good cops remain vulnerable, and bad cops go unchecked.” – Billy, DA Member on the Select Committee on Security and Justice
