South Africa’s acting police minister Firoz Cachalia stated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is strengthening its existing technology infrastructure and software investments.
DRONES AND BODY CAMERAS
Responding to questions raised in parliament by IFP MP Inkosi Russel Nsikayezwe Cebekhulu, Cachalia added that they plan to train 100 officials to become drone operators.
However, he noted that little progress has been made in providing body-worn cameras (bodycams) to police officers.
He explained that the agreement on body cameras is still in the contracting phase and that the delay in finalising the tender process is the reason behind the lack of progress.
COMBATING DIGITAL CRIME
Cachalia also emphasized that the use of technology will be expanded to prevent digital crimes and corruption.
He further noted that SAPS is working with AFRIPOL’s Cybercrime Desk to strengthen coordination in fighting crime across Africa.
CYBER THREATS ON THE RISE
This is particularly significant, as government infrastructure faces about 3,312 cyberattacks per week, according to the Communication Risk Centre’s (Comric) 2025 Telecommunications Sector Report.
These cybercrimes cost the country approximately R2.2 billion annually.
The report highlighted that the most common attacks are ransomware, in which criminals encrypt victims’ data and demand payment for decryption keys.
BUSINESSES UNDER ATTACK
The report also revealed that in 2023, around 78% of South African businesses experienced at least one cyber incident.
In addition, phishing scams using social engineering techniques to obtain sensitive information, business email compromise, malware, system exploits, and synthetic identity fraud are among the widespread threats causing significant damage to the country’s economy and businesses.
Developing the police force technologically is therefore of great importance in countering these threats.