CoCT's JP Smith says bodycams for SAPS officers a move in the right direction
The City’s MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith said they’d benefitted from integrating technology into their metro police forces.
Picture: X/SAPS
CAPE TOWN - While the South African Police Service (SAPS) prepares to roll out bodycams, metro police officers in Cape Town have been using the devices for close to 18 months.
The City’s MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith said they’d benefitted from integrating technology into their metro police forces.
He said it would be advantageous for police officers as well.
"The City of Cape Town is committed in leveraging technology to improve officer safety and enhance public safety and law enforcement effectiveness. Body-worn cameras have proven to be a valuable tool in this regard."
Last week, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed that the rollout was set to begin in April 2025.
Smith said it was a move in the right direction.
"We believe that implementing body-worn cameras for SAPS officers could yield similar benefits such as enhanced officer safety, improved evidence collection for court proceedings, increased transparency in policing operations and a reduction in false allegations against officers."