Body-worn cameras could help rebuild trust in SAPS, legal expert says - EWN

A legal expert has said that the introduction of body-worn cameras by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) would play a key role in the investigation and prosecution of crimes in the country.

Professor Mpho Matlala, from the College of Law and School of Criminal Justice at UNISA, told CapeTalk/702 that bodycams would serve not only as a deterrent for crime but also as an accountability mechanism for police.

His comments come as the Democratic Alliance says it will continue to fight for the rollout of body-worn cameras for police.

In a written parliamentary reply, Acting Police Minister Prof Cachalia recently admitted that he was unable to give a timeline for the rollout because the tender process has not yet been concluded.

The DA said the cameras were meant to be rolled out in the 2025/26 financial year.