“`html
South Africa’s Police Tech Drive: Bodycams Delayed, Drones and Cybercrime in Focus
Police Minister Highlights Tech Investments Amid Procurement Delays
South Africa’s acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, has outlined the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) strategy to enhance operational efficiency through technology—though key initiatives like body-worn cameras remain stalled in procurement limbo. Responding to parliamentary questions from IFP MP Inkosi Russel Nsikayezwe Cebekhulu, Cachalia confirmed the SAPS is maximizing existing tech infrastructure while awaiting progress on bodycam deployments.
“The procurement of body-worn cameras has not yet been finalized,” Cachalia admitted, noting the process remains in the contracting phase with bids yet to be advertised. A nationwide rollout plan will follow once a service provider is appointed.
Drones and Digital Evidence: A Work in Progress
While bodycams lag, the SAPS is pushing forward with other tech-driven initiatives:
- Drone operator training: 100 officers will be trained in drone operations during the 2025/26 financial year as part of a three-year program.
- Digital evidence management: No fixed timeline exists for full provincial implementation, despite growing cybercrime threats.
Cybercrime Crisis: South Africa’s R2.2 Billion Annual Drain
The urgency behind SAPS’ tech upgrades becomes clear when examining South Africa’s cybercrime epidemic. Recent data reveals:
- Ransomware dominance: 78% of businesses experienced at least one attack in 2023, with average breach costs hitting R50 million.
- Phishing epidemic: Social engineering scams drained R200 million from victims last year.
- Synthetic identity fraud surge: Attacks increased by 153%, per the Communication Risk Centre (Comric).
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni recently sounded alarms about escalating ransomware incidents, as 66% of companies now prioritize cyber risks over environmental or macroeconomic threats.
Hawks Deploy Digital Forensics in Crime Fight
Cachalia detailed how the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) is countering cyber threats:
- Forensic platforms analyze digital devices for evidence in cybercrime and corruption cases.
- Partnerships with AFRIPOL’s Cybercrime Desk enhance continental coordination.
- Specialized training covers cryptocurrency investigations, digital forensics, and virtual assets.
International collaborations with agencies in Africa, Europe, the US, and Asia further bolster South Africa’s cyber defenses. Yet with the cybersecurity market projected to reach R73 billion by 2030, the race between criminals and law enforcement shows no signs of slowing.
Source: MyBroadband
“`