Latest news with #FrankLabidi
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
#BestofBallito: IPSS Security, experts in community safety
For the fourth year in a row, IPSS Security has been voted Best Security Company in the Best of Ballito Readers' Choice Awards. Leading the company are CEO Frank Labidi and COO Brennon Knott, who bring not only extensive experience but a shared vision of community-focused, excellence-driven security. Labidi said they accepted the honour of the award with deep gratitude and immense pride. 'This recognition is more than a title. It reflects the trust our community places in us and stands as a testament to the relentless efforts of a team that shows up, day and night, 365 days a year,' said Labidi. Over the past year, IPSS Security has continued to expand in both reach and capability. With a fleet of more than 20 response vehicles and a growing footprint across the Dolphin Coast, they remain committed to rapid response and proactive protection. Their recently upgraded control room now ranks among the most advanced in KwaZulu-Natal – if not the country – and is SAIDSA-approved for off-site CCTV monitoring. This facility is the heartbeat of the operation, enabling seamless coordination between their operators and tactical response teams and ensuring consistent service to residential, commercial and estate clients. 'At the core of our success are the people behind the scenes, the ones few get to see. From control room operators and tactical teams to administrative staff, accounts and management, every department plays a vital role in delivering on our promise of safety. Their dedication enables us to respond with precision, professionalism and consistency – every time.' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Citizen
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Proposed gun laws put public safety at risk, says private security firms
Ballito security experts are warning that proposed changes to South Africa's firearm regulations could cripple the private security industry and place public safety at risk. Frank Labidi, CEO of IPSS Security, voiced strong opposition to amendments recently tabled by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act. The proposed changes – published on March 28 – aim to tighten control over firearms and increase regulatory oversight of private security operations. However, Labidi believes the amendments were introduced without proper consultation and could have serious unintended consequences. 'These regulations have been drafted without any meaningful engagement with the security industry. They are illogical, severe, and will affect every citizen in this country,' he said. The proposed changes would prohibit private security officers from carrying weapons, including non-lethal tools such as rubber bullets, tasers, tear gas and handcuffs, in public areas like schools, malls, taxi ranks, hospitals and stadiums. Labidi argues that private security companies play a critical role in supporting law enforcement, particularly during moments of crisis, such as the July 2021 unrest, when private security firms were instrumental in protecting communities from looting across KZN. On the North Coast, Ballito was protected by a combined force of residents and security companies, while the surrounding towns of Tongaat, Shakaskraal and KwaDukuza were quickly overwhelmed. 'Under the new rules, security firms would need to apply for permits seven days in advance just to carry firearms. That's unworkable in emergency situations and would leave the public vulnerable. 'The new regulations impose significant restrictions and burdens. This also burdens the police force, who are understaffed and over-worked.' He warned that the regulations could also devastate the private security sector, predicting that up to 300,000 jobs could be lost if half of the country's firms are forced to shut down. 'Will the minister employ additional cops because there will be no security officers? The answer is no!' Attorney and director at Marshall Security, Dave Campbell, agreed with Labidi, saying that whoever drafted the regulation does not know what they are doing. 'It is an unworkable system. If riots had to happen again, the criminals would need to give us written notice so we can apply for weapons to protect the public,' he said. 'The public relies on private security for safety, not the cops; we protect the police. How can we respond to armed criminals without weapons?' The proposed regulations are open for public and stakeholder comment at until April 25. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
