Seven years after body-worn cameras were first proposed for South African police officers, the technology is still not operational, with authorities confirming that the project remains in the procurement phase.
Acting police chief minister Firoz Cachalia said the first phase of the long-delayed nationwide rollout officially began in April 2026.
Project still in contracting stage
Although the rollout process has now formally started, the cameras are not yet in use by officers.
Cachalia confirmed that the acquisition of body-worn cameras, as well as in-vehicle dash cameras, has not been finalised.
The project is currently still in the contracting and procurement phase, with the process being managed by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA).
According to the acting minister, the official bid has yet to be advertised.
Once a service provider is appointed, SAPS will develop a national implementation plan that will determine the timeline for full deployment.
Technology seen as key policing tool
The use of body cameras has long been promoted as a major step toward improving policing standards.
International studies suggest body-worn cameras reduce use-of-force incidents and public complaints while improving evidence collection and reducing administrative workloads.
The first phase of the SAPS rollout is expected to cost 14 million rand.
This follows earlier statements made in 2024 that body cameras would be fully operational by 2026.
At the time, the estimated cost per unit stood at 28000 rand.
Despite repeated announcements over the years, the project has faced continued delays, making the latest procurement phase a significant but still incomplete milestone.
Source: SAPS / Department of Police
