Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Andrew Whitfield MP
During the Police Portfolio Committee earlier today the DA called for the urgent implementation of body cams to curb police brutality.
The violent attack by the blue light bullies in July highlighted, yet again, the urgent need to tackle police brutality within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In 2019 SAPS announced its intention to roll out body cameras. Four years later in May 2023, Minister Cele said that “body worn cameras are being prioritised”. In the committee meeting today SAPS again committed to implementing body cams but would not say by when. To date not a single body worn camera has been procured or deployed by the SAPS since they were first announced in 2019.
Transparency is key to ensuring accountability. The DA believes that body worn cameras would play a significant role in enhancing transparency and curbing police brutality.
The DA will continue fighting for a safer South Africa by building an honest and professional police service.
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