PRIVATE security companies remain vexed about the proposed amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulations, despite the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) allaying fears that won't trigger a jobs bloodbath.
The PSiRA proposed amendments, which were backed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, have sparked outrage across the security industry that generates R50-billion in revenue annually and employed over 600 000 people.
According to owners of private security companies, if implemented, the amendments would include a ban on armed security in public spaces unless specific, unclear requirements were met, and limits on ammunition without clear standards.
Further, they claimed the amendments would shut down firms under investigation, without due process and require firearm tracking devices that currently do not exist. This has angered the owners of small and established security companies, who have come out guns blazing against the proposed amendments.
Mthokozisi Mbhele, owner of Sompisi Private Security, which provided security services to some shop owners in Isipingo, lashed out at the authorities.
“What the government is trying to do will lead to massive job losses. No person would hire us to guard their properties if we didn’t have the weapons. The government must rethink these senseless proposed amendments before it is too late,” said Mbhele.
Mbhele’s company employed 50 people, who were qualified and had competency certificates to handle guns, and feared they would lose their jobs if the amendments were implemented.
“That is 50 families who will suffer as a result of the proposed amendments,” said Mbhele.
He urged people to submit their opposition to the proposed amendments ahead of the April 25, 2025 deadline.
Another security company owner, who protected high-risk clients, including taxi bosses and requested anonymity, echoed similar sentiments.
“This is just a strategy to disarm us. My duty is to protect people whose lives are at risk. How will I do my job without having guns? My employees will not be able to do their jobs without guns. I don’t know where the government is going with this, but this is going to backfire for them.”
Previously, Kyle Connolly, CEO of Ensure Private Security, slammed the proposed amendments as "catastrophic" for South Africans during his interview with the Daily News.
"The private security industry employs over 600 000 people, and these jobs will be at risk if the amendments are passed. Private security covers more ground than the police, and without the ability to use our weapons, we would be unable to do our jobs effectively."
Connolly vowed that they, along with other private security companies, would legally fight against the implementation of the proposed amendments. Connolly said.
"We will fight against these amendments with everything we’ve got."
In a statement released last week, PSiRA clarified its stance by saying, “The Authority seeks to strike a balance – supporting the legitimate operations of the industry while addressing concerns about the non-compliance and rogue elements.
“While we appreciate the passionate responses, we urge the public and all stakeholders to engage on the basis of facts.”
PSiRA also refuted claims that firearms would be completely banned if the amendments were implemented.
This statement triggered sharp criticism from the DA spokesperson on police, Ian Cameron, who was a vocal critic of the proposed amendments. “I am sorry, PSiRA, but on this one you are wrong. With the proposed amendments, a robber can now rob a jewellery store in a mall with a pocket knife. Just enforce the existing regulations and legislation properly, and things will improve,” Cameron wrote on his X (Twitter) account.
Experts aired their views.
Author and crime expert, Mary de Haas, said: “Historically, companies have been operating without being registered, let alone accounting for their guns. This is a serious problem, which is not being properly addressed. PSiRA regulation is itself inadequate, so something must be done about that.
She added: “Well-established companies that behave legally should not have a cause for concern, most of them have good reaction services. Proper paperwork is essential, and the provision about tracking devices on guns is an excellent one.”
Dr Johan Burger, a safety and security expert from the Institute for Security Studies, said if these regulations were approved in their current form, they would weaken the private security industry.
“I’m certain that common sense will prevail and that with the concerns raised by the private security industry and others, there will be discussions with PSiRA that they will find ways to address these problematic sections of the draft amendment to the regulations,” Burger said.
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