Private security sector says amendment will risk more crime

According to private security company Blue Hawk Tactical, the proposed amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulations in South Africa, which would effectively disarm security guards, threaten to undermine public safety, exacerbate an already dire crime situation and destabilise an industry that employs over half a million people.

SA’s private security sector is a critical partner to the understaffed and under-resourced SAPS, which struggles to combat rampant violent crime, said the institution.

“Disarming security guards would render them ineffective against armed criminals and signal a retreat from a practical, collaborative approach to crime reduction.

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“The government’s focus should instead be on strengthening legal firearm use, enhancing vetting and targeting illegal firearms and border security rather than stripping away a proven deterrent in a country where citizens increasingly rely on private security for protection.”

The company said private security guards outnumber SAPS personnel by a significant margin, and their armed presence has been a vital force multiplier to escalating crime rates.

“With the SAPS reporting a fixed establishment of 182 126 employees (including administrative staff) in recent years, and only a fraction actively policing, the private sector’s 556 000 active guards fill a critical gap.

“Disarming them would leave communities defenceless against armed criminals, increase response times for SAPS interventions and potentially collapse an industry which provides livelihoods for hundreds of thousands, driving unemployment and further economic instability in a nation already grappling with high poverty rates.”

The amendments proposed by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) include:

• Banning armed guards from working if their company is merely under investigation, not convicted, just accused;
• Restricting firearm use in public spaces like malls, churches and even homes;
• Imposing undefined limits on ammunition;
• Mandating annual psych tests with no clarity on standards;
• Outlawing vital tools like rubber bullets, water cannons and tasers;
• Demanding impossible-to-meet tech like firearm tracking devices that don’t even exist;
• Clamping down on semi-auto rifles, crippling high-risk units and mine security.

The company said disarming private security would leave them “rudderless and useless” against armed criminals, exacerbating crimes that the SAPS alone cannot contain.

It listed potential escalations like murders, rapes, house and business robberies, muggings, kidnappings, hijackings and illegal mining.

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“Crime has worsened since 2020, with the SAPS’ data showing double-digit increases in many categories post-lockdown. Disarming 556 000 active guards [with 126 529 firearms registered to firms as of September 2024] would increase crime rates.

“Armed criminals would face no immediate opposition, potentially doubling violent incidents in unprotected areas.

“Collapse response capacity, the SAPS, with a 1:413 ratio, cannot cover the gap, leading to delayed interventions. Industry collapse could see over 300 000 job losses, worsening unemployment,” said Blue Hawk Tactical.

Illegal mining

Illegal mining costs SA billions of rand annually and claims numerous lives. The security company said disarming guards would cripple efforts made against zama zamas, allowing them to operate unchecked, increasing violence and losses.

They proposed that the PSiRA should consider the following rather than disarm private security guards:
• Allow legal gun ownership;
• Rigorous background checks for all gun license applicants;
• Target illegal guns;
• Secure borders;
• Reduce police gun theft;
• Regular assessments by PSiRA of all security companies. Letters of good standing mandatory to ensure business compliance;
• Regular inspections by the SAPS designated firearms officers of all security companies’ armouries. Do quarterly audits of security companies’ armouries’ registers.

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They have called on the communities to object to these “senseless regulations”, which will cripple SA. The public and industry stakeholders have until April 25 to email written objections to Regulations@psira.co.za
In addition, visit www.freesa.org.za/protecting-public-safety-through-private-security/