Fears new bill will arm criminals and disarm guards
Proposed changes to private security laws have sparked outrage across the industry, with experts warning the new regulations could cripple community safety, empower criminals, and leave law-abiding citizens to defend for themselves.
Security companies in Pretoria east are raising concerns over proposed changes to private security regulations by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).
PSIRA has introduced a draft bill aimed at tightening control over the private security sector with a proposed ban on non-lethal tools such as rubber bullets, tear gas and tasers.
According to the regulator, the goal is to professionalise the industry, root out criminal elements, and ensure armed guards are properly screened and monitored.
However, security companies believe the draft regulations are unrealistic and vague and will do more damage than good.
The companies claim the new rules will make it “nearly impossible” for them to operate effectively and safely.
CSI operations manager Gerhard Rossouw said the new law will give criminals the upper hand.
He said it will directly compromise security officers who respond to violent crime in residential areas.
“We respond to serious incidents where criminals are armed and dangerous.
“How will security companies protect the community if they can’t protect themselves?” said Rossouw.
He said this will cause an increase in house and armed robberies.
“People are going to die, and unfortunately, it won’t be the criminals. It’ll be innocent people.”
Alpha Security director, Aris Ruyter, shared the same sentiments and proposed legislation is unreasonable.
“It forces community members to start using their own firearms, which will be a mess for security companies and everyone,” he said.
With growing safety concerns in areas like Silver Lakes, Garsfontein and Faerie Glen, many fear that the new rules will dismantle what little protection residents currently have.
The chairperson of the Lake Security Forum, Jean Jonker, said he is part of a committee that will formally challenge the legislation on behalf of private security companies.
He added that the proposed changes will cripple smaller companies that are playing by the rules and already are under pressure.
“The legislation will be too costly. The consumers will be the ones affected the most because companies will have no choice but to increase what they charge.
“Only the big companies will survive this,” said Jonker.
Jonker said one of the most alarming points in the draft regulations is the proposed ban on non-lethal tools.
He added that security officers would be left with only two options in violent situations: to flee or use live ammunition.
“It’s either they kill or run for their lives,” said Jonker.
He said he understands that the legislation is meant to eliminate rogue elements in the security sector, but the implementation process is flawed.
Jonker said security firms could be stripped of their ability to issue firearms to guards based solely on being under investigation, regardless of whether any wrongdoing is found.
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