Plans to introduce body cams for JMPD officers ‘underway’

GAUTENG – Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department – JMPD officers will soon be required to wear body cameras in a bid to combat rife corrupt practices such as the “cool drink” phenomena and protect officers. The department briefed the Provincial Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Security and admitted to having concerns over corrupt activities within its ranks.

Joburg metro police spokesperson Xolani Fihla says plans are underway for the unit to introduce body cameras for its officers. The latest announcement comes six years after former Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba and the MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun launched the Road Safety Campaign at the Grasmere Toll Plaza.

In 2017, Sun stated that the body cameras were to ensure the safety of the public and the officers. “Our primary job today is to ensure the safety of passengers in the cars, motorists that are driving and everyone who is using the roads this festive holiday.” Fihla says the body cameras will assist in the fight against corruption.

“The purchasing of body cameras will assist in issues around corruption and will also protect officers and protect the public to ensure that we do eradicate corruption in the communities. Firstly, we will have a pilot stage, and once that is done, then a full deployment or the release of these cameras will be issued to officers.”