The South African Police Service (SAPS) is embarking on a significant pilot project to introduce body-worn cameras (BWCs) as part of their efforts to enhance accountability and transparency in policing. Announced on March 26, 2025, the initiative plans to deploy 100 BWCs over the next year, with the SAPS estimating the rollout to cost R14.4 million over five years. However, experts warn that the total expense will likely exceed this initial figure once factors such as data storage, security infrastructure, maintenance, and officer training are included. Moreover, the introduction of BWCs raises important questions about privacy and surveillance that must be carefully addressed before implementation.
The pilot project comes at a time when the SAPS faces a significant challenge: over R2 billion in civil claims, as reported in the previous year. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) recorded 460 deaths resulting from police action in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for reform within the police force. Advocates for BWCs argue that these devices can help reduce police use of force, a claim that has seen mixed results in various studies worldwide. While some research supports the idea that both officers and civilians behave better when they know they are being recorded, other studies indicate little to no impact on behavior.
Experts suggest that the effectiveness of BWCs depends not only on their presence but also on how and when they are activated, the training officers receive, and the overall culture of the police department. In South Africa, where violent crime rates are high and public trust in the police is low, simply introducing cameras may not yield the desired improvements in accountability. The SAPS must clearly define the problems they aim to address with BWCs and establish what success would look like.
Ms. Tiego Dakana, a victim of extortion and violence, recently shared her harrowing experience with the Portfolio Committee on Police during an oversight visit to Umtata, Eastern Cape. Her house was burned down, and her son was shot, leaving her feeling unsafe and vulnerable. "My life is literally at a standstill. I have no home and I live in fear as I was told that I am on the hitlist," she recounted. Dakana's story is emblematic of the broader crisis of extortion that has gripped South Africa, where fear and mistrust of the police have discouraged many victims from reporting crimes.
The committee learned that Umtata has become a center for extortion, with many businesses and households intimidated by criminals demanding protection fees. Mr. Cameron, a committee member, noted the dire trust deficit in the SAPS, stating, "It is patently clear that communities lack the necessary trust in the police to encourage them to report this crime trend." He emphasized that rebuilding this trust requires consistent and thorough investigations that lead to prosecutions, a process that can be lengthy.
Despite the challenges, Dakana praised the National Intervention Unit and the Tactical Response Unit for their proactive approach in combating crime. She expressed hope after receiving positive feedback from the Office of the President regarding her case. However, the committee expressed concern over the disparity between the number of extortion cases reported and the arrests made. In the 2024/25 financial year, only 60 arrests were made out of 158 reported extortion cases, highlighting the need for more effective and prosecutor-led investigations.
As the SAPS prepares to implement the pilot program for BWCs, it is crucial that they prioritize the development of systems that support the effective use of this technology. Without adequate training, supervision, and protocols for data management, BWCs risk becoming an ineffective tool that fails to improve police accountability. The cameras must be utilized in a manner that enhances training and performance, ensuring that officers are held to high standards of conduct.
International research suggests that the success of BWCs is influenced by various factors, including the context in which they are deployed. South Africa's unique challenges, including high levels of violent crime and a significant lack of public trust in the police, must be taken into account as the pilot progresses. The SAPS should view this pilot as an opportunity to gather local evidence that could inform a potential national rollout and establish the necessary conditions for success.
Ultimately, while BWCs are not a panacea for the complex issues facing the SAPS, they present an opportunity to drive meaningful reforms within the police force. With careful planning, support systems, and rigorous evaluation mechanisms, this initiative could pave the way for a more accountable and transparent police service in South Africa. As communities like Umtata continue to grapple with the pervasive threat of extortion, the need for effective policing and public trust has never been more critical.
