DA says tackling rogue police officers will be hard without body cameras

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) said in the absence of body cameras, it is challenging to address the issue of rogue police officers.

This, as the party continues to call for the implementation of body-cameras for South African Police Service (SAPS) members.

The party said that this will curb allegations of police officers being involved in criminal activity.

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This comes as SAPS faces explosive allegations of political interference, something the party insists would not be an issue if proper accountability measures were implemented

Recently, KwaZulu-Natal police head Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi admitted that a number of police officers are facing internal disciplinary action for their alleged involvement in crime.

He said some were even charged for using their work-issued guns to commit robberies.

The DA in the NCOP said all this could be addressed had the use of body cameras been implemented.

Mzamo Billy is the NCOP provincialwhip for KZN.

“That will certainly expose any rogue elements. In fact, even before it happens, there isn't any police officers that would be keen to engage in wrongful conduct when they know that there is a camera in their body. Certainly, then there would be an impact in people doing wrong stuff with citizens.”

Billy has written to the ministry demanding that Police Minister Firoz Cachalia appear before the select committee of security and justice in this regard.