Call for police officers to wear BODY CAMERAS gathers pace
Following last months’ civilian assault on the N1, there are renewed calls for police officers to wear body cameras.
Shocking footage of motorists being assaulted on the N1 by Deputy President Paul Mashateile’s VIP protection service went viral last month. Now there are renewed calls for police officers to wear body cameras in South Africa.
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Recently, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID) were before parliament’s police portfolio committee defending a lack of roll-out. This was after it was announced that JMPD officers would wear body cameras. However, not one camera has been issue in South Africa as yet.
POLICE OFFICERS TO WEAR BODY CAMERAS
In that meeting, members of parliament (MPs) made it clear that they want all South African police officers to wear body cameras in the near future, reports Business Tech.
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The MPs questioned how many similar incidents went undetected simply because they were not captured on camera. As a result, the police commissioner told the committee that getting police officers to wear body cameras was a top priority after the N1 assault.
LONG-TIME COMING
You may recall, the first time body cameras made it into the public eye was after the fatal Maikana massacre. SAPS members were accused of opening fire unlawfully, killing 34 mineworkers, prompting a demand for greater police accountability.
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However, SAPS top cops have reportedly blamed legality and funding issues as reasons why police officers have not been supplied as yet. Encouragingly, Masemola said in the committee meeting this month that the dispute over legality had been ironed out. He said SAPS is compiling specs, and they are going to implement them soon.
CURB POLICE BRUTALITY AND CORRUPTION
Speaking at the committee meeting, the Democratic Alliance (DA) showed support for the idea of police cameras on officers. “Transparency is key to ensuring accountability. And the DA believes that body-worn cameras would significantly enhance transparency and curb police brutality,” it said.
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What do you think about police officers wearing body cameras? Do you think it will curb police brutality and corruption? Share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below.