SAPS body-worn camera rollout stalled as SITA forced to re-advertise bid

The much-anticipated deployment of body-worn cameras for the South African Police Service (SAPS) has hit a significant roadblock. A procurement setback involving the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) means the entire tender process must be re-advertised from the beginning.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia revealed the delay in a written response to the Democratic Alliance's Mzamo Billy. While SAPS attempted to fast-track the project via a procurement deviation, the application was turned down, forcing a return to a competitive bidding process.

Bureaucratic Hurdles and Funding

Despite R14 million being earmarked for the 2025/26 financial year to cover both body-worn and vehicle dashboard cameras, not a single cent has been spent. The project is currently stuck in the contracting phase with no clear timeline for when a service provider will be appointed.

DA MP Mzamo Billy has slammed the ministry for the delays, accusing officials of hiding behind red tape. He noted that the government had previously committed to starting the rollout within the current financial year, a promise that now looks increasingly unlikely to be met.

Safety and Accountability at Risk

The absence of these cameras is particularly felt in KwaZulu-Natal, where no provincial rollout has begun. Critics argue the technology is essential for protecting honest officers from baseless claims and ensuring transparent evidence collection during high-stakes operations.

The ministry is also facing questions regarding a March 2025 operation that lacked a formal plan. Cachalia defended the action as an ad hoc response to Crime Intelligence, though details on firearm use remain classified due to an active IPID investigation.

Internal disciplinary processes related to that specific operation were initiated in early 2026. However, without the objective footage provided by body cams, the SAPS continues to face scrutiny over its lack of modern accountability tools.