Body cameras – The only way to eradicate corruption in the JMPD?

Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) members could soon be wearing body cameras in a bid to stop corruption and protect police officers and the public.

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BODY CAMERAS MEANT TO ENHANCE ACCOUNTABILITY AND CURB CORRUPTION

JMPD Acting Chief Angie Mokasi told eNCA the municipal police department had invested heavily in internal affairs.

“We are purchasing body cameras that will assist in issues around corruption, They will also protect our officers and protect the public. We believe this will eradicate corruption,” said Mokasi.

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JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the Department hopes officers will be equipped with body cameras by next year.

He said the visual devices would help eliminate corruption and bolster evidence gathering against traffic law violators.

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Fihla said not all JMPD officers are corrupt, but there are some bad apples. The Department also has a public perception problem – the belief that nothing is being done to tackle corruption.

“So, in our efforts to ensure that we change this perception, the city is looking into getting body cameras for our officers, firstly, to hold our officers accountable for any actions that they take on the road, and secondly, to ensure that our officials are protected and exonerated where they are doing their duties legally,” he said to SABC News.

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