Latest news with #Labidi
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!
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
UT students want more communication, action from school after West Campus crimes spike
Students at the University of Texas are concerned about a spike in crime in West Campus after a man accused of being a "violent offender" who was arrested three times in three days last week was again released from jail, the university said in a statement. UT police confirmed that Aymen Labidi, 23, was arrested three times within three days after the county attorney's office rereleased him. On Wednesday, Labidi is accused of attacking a 19-year-old male outside of a restaurant in West Campus about 4:32 p.m., according to a police report in which officers classified the incident as an assault. Later that evening, about 7:09 p.m., UT police arrested Labidi for disorderly conduct on West 25th Street, another report said. Officials said Labidi is accused of a committing third incident later in week, though that police report was not available by Monday afternoon. In a statement shared by the university, UT System board chairman Kevin Eltife said the university and the system have taken steps to improve safety in West Campus and promptly arrest violent suspects, "but arrests are not enough." "We must be able to work hand in hand with prosecutors and the local judicial system to make sure these offenders stay off our campus," Eltife said. Multiple students who spoke to the American-Statesman said they were scared to walk home alone at night in West Campus and are concerned by a recent crimes spike. "I'm just not understanding why the (city) keeps re-releasing someone who's very obviously not going to stop their behavior," Lila McAnally, a UT sophomore said Monday. Navya Rao, a senior at UT, has been checking news outlets for updates on crimes around campus and she wants the university to better communicate information when there are multiple incidents. With her roommate away this week, she's been more on edge, she said. "I've been a lot more scared," Rao said. "Even when I leave my apartment, I try to have a mechanism so I can make sure the door hasn't been opened before I re-enter." Diana Melendez, senior counsel for communications at the Travis County attorney's office, said safety is the office's "top priority." She said the office does not comment on pending cases, but generally, a suspect can be released from jail after a court order or posting bond while their case is pending. "We have been in contact with law enforcement for the situations that occurred close to the UT campus last week and will continue to coordinate efforts to achieve the best possible results for all involved," Melendez said in a statement. "County Attorney (Delia) Garza has always met with members of our community and continues to engage to answer questions and provide correct information on how the criminal justice system operates." Interim UT President Jim Davis implored local officials to take greater action in phone calls Friday, including reaching out to Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown. 'This must change," Davis said Friday. "We must find a solution. Our students and their families are counting on it." Hector Nieto, a Travis County spokesperson, said Brown looks forward to working with UT on systematic solutions, such as a "mental health jail diversion center that helps meet the needs of the campus community and Travis County." McAnally said she wished UT communicated more with students and staff about incidents on or near campus, particularly violent events, even when they involved people who are not affiliated with the university or haven't been identified. Last week, though no foul play is suspected in either case, two bodies were found on campus, which has also contributed to students' worry, she said. She said she also wants more communication about safety resources. The university is in its second year of West Campus Ambassadors, a program to beautify and increase safety in the popular UT-student neighborhood by escorting students to their destinations during evenings, installing safety features and helping officers and students detect and respond to "unwanted activity." McAnally, however, said she isn't aware of how to take advantage of the program's resources. Iliana Dentchev, a junior, said that a man Saturday who appeared to be unhoused, blocked her friend from walking on the sidewalk near campus, but another person intervened, and a fight broke out, she said. Dentchev, echoing other students, said she also wants more communication from UT or from the city when suspects of violent crimes are released from jail. "At least recognize, 'Hey, some guy is released in West Campus,' because they know we all live there," Dentchev said. Antony Milton, a junior, said he's avoided studying on campus at night. "I'm scared to," he said. In addition to the increasing crime, Milton said UT has a policy prohibiting people who are not affiliated with the school from entering buildings uninvited, but he wants assurances that the university will better enforce that rule after having encountered such individuals in a university building that's under construction, he said. Nathanael Suarez, a UT freshman, who lives east of campus, said he feels safe. "I haven't encountered anything," he said. But if he does, he feels assured by knowing that "there's always eyewitnesses" and said he feels safe because of the campus community. Risha Sur, a senior who lives in West Campus, said she always takes precautions at night. In her first year on campus, she took advantage of UT's Sure Walk program, which also helps escort people safely. "If something were to happen, I don't know how much we would be able to protect ourselves," Sur said. "But we at least try to walk in groups, and someone hopefully is carrying pepper spray." This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: UT students want school to do more to bring safety after crimes spike
CBC
30-01-2025
- CBC
'I lost their smiles': Quebec City Muslim community counters hate 8 years after deadly mosque attack
Images of the night of Jan. 29, 2017 still come back to Boufeldja Benabdallah. The call he received; pulling up to the mosque he co-founded; finding it completely surrounded by police. "It was a panic," said Benabdallah. "All these images remind us of this sadness." Six men died after a gunman opened fire in the Islamic Cultural Centre in the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood of Quebec City. It left 19 injured and 17 children fatherless. Years later, Benabdallah says it's important to keep the memory of the victims alive. He remembers Azzeddine Soufiane, a smiley man who would tip toe into the mosque to pray silently. Mamadou Tanou Barry was "joyous." Ibrahima Barry was a serious yet friendly man who helped support immigrants in the community. Abdelkrim Hassane was the "footballer," who would talk at length about the championship, while Aboubaker Thabti loved volunteering for activities with kids. Khaled Belkacemi was a Laval University professor and Benabdallah's close friend. "I have good memories of them," said Benabdallah. "In our philosophy, we say that after distress, something good always comes along. You mustn't despair. I'm in that stage." Sitting just outside the entrance to the mosque's prayer room, Nesrine Adda and Sakina Ouchane wore dark green felt squares — a symbol of peace and the same colour as the prayer room's carpet eight years ago. Adda says her dad came to the mosque on the night of the attack. "I don't even know how to explain the feeling because it was … a moment that was very shocking," said Adda. "It was very traumatic for him." Mohamed Labidi, president of the Islamic centre, says the six men who died were his friends whom he would see regularly. "They would offer me beautiful smiles every time," said Labidi, his voice cracking. "And I lost their smiles." WATCH | Mohamed Labidi says Azzedine Soufiane died a hero: Mohamed Labidi describes how Azzedine Soufiane tried to tackle Quebec City mosque shooter 8 years ago Duration 1:26 Mohamed Labidi describes how Azzedine Soufiane tried to tackle the shooter at the site of the Quebec City mosque attack. 'A good future ahead of us' Eight years later, on the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia, Labidi says they're highlighting the importance of combating hate. "I'm an optimist," said Labidi. "You cannot just see the glass half empty ... There is a good future ahead of us." He says there's been progress to counter Islamophobia in Quebec, but that sometimes stereotypes and political rhetoric can bring them "back to the start." Labidi referenced the idea of a prayer ban as a recent example. Last December, Quebec Premier François Legault indicated he wanted to ban praying in public, saying seeing people praying "in the streets, in public parks, is not something we want in Quebec." Labidi says Muslims continue to be singled out. For the first time this year, the mosque set up information sessions open to the public. Unfortunately, he says almost no Quebecers came to visit. "Hardly anyone came. And to that, I ask myself, 'why?'" said Labidi. "It's disappointing," said Arif Virani, the federal minister of justice, who spoke at the eighth anniversary commemoration. "But I don't lose hope about the curiosity and the interest that exists. I've seen it in my own riding in Toronto. I know that curiosity exists all around the country … I think we just have to double down on our efforts." He says there hasn't been enough progress in the fight against Islamophobia. Including the men who died in the Quebec City attack, a total of 11 people have died as a result of Islamophobia in Canada since 2017, he said. "That's a statistic that leads the G7. I don't want to lead the G7 in those kinds of statistics. So we've got a lot of work to do." Benabdallah says it's critical to continue to form connections to foster unity. "I always say that the majority of people love other people," said Benabdallah.
