Latest news with #PrivateSecurityIndustryRegulatoryAuthority
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
‘R130m security training was waste of time': Parliament committee calls for suspension of PSiRA director and CFO
'They told us we'd be qualified for jobs in law enforcement and security, but when the programme ended, we didn't get certificates and the training providers vanished.' This is how Roxanne Hyster, a Cape Town resident, described her time spent in a controversial employment initiative managed by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) and funded by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to the tune of R130m. She is one of 6,507 unemployed people who completed the training but never received certificates or accreditation. The UIF training project was meant to upskill unemployed individuals in the security-related field and with computer skills to improve their employability. 'It was a waste of my time. I spent two months practically playing with them,' the 35-year-old said. Hyster remains unemployed. On Wednesday parliament's portfolio committee on policy called for the suspension of the director and CFO of PSiRA after revelations of irregularities and possible fraud involving the R130m project.
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Disarmed and defenceless
Most residents and business owners would likely agree that they rely on private security companies as their first line of defence against criminals. However, the proposed amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA) could have dangerous and far-reaching consequences for community safety. So, what are these proposed amendments? 'The police, in conjunction with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, recently gazetted a set of draft amendments aimed at tightening firearm control within the private security sector. According to the gazette, the amendments would limit the number and types of firearms that security personnel may use,' reported The Citizen, a sister publication of the Krugersdorp News. The News reached out to local security companies to understand what impact these changes could have on public safety. Johan Cronje, director at Mapogo A Mathamaga, explained that while the amendment is not yet law, it is expected to take effect on July 1. 'This amendment will strip semi-automatic firearms from the private security sector, impose stricter regulations on carrying standard firearms, limit the amount of ammunition guards can carry, and even ban restraining devices like handcuffs, as well as non-lethal tools such as pepper spray and tasers,' he explained. Cronje stressed the serious implications for residents and business owners who rely on private security for protection. In most cases, it's not the police but private security who respond first during incidents like break-ins. 'Now imagine a criminal breaks into your home, and the people you rely on are unarmed and underprepared. What are they supposed to do – throw rocks at criminals who might be armed with automatic weapons?' he asked. He warned this could trigger a sharp rise in crime. 'Criminals don't care about regulations. These laws won't apply to them – they'll still get their hands on firearms. We're likely to see a spike in armed robberies because our guards will be at a major disadvantage, bound by strict regulations,' Cronje said. Security guards risk their lives daily. Disarming them puts their lives – and the lives of the people they protect – at greater risk. 'How can they defend us without the proper tools?' he asked. Beyond safety, Cronje also raised concerns about the economic impact. 'This could cost the industry an estimated half a million jobs.' Jan Venter, director of Guardmax Protection Services, echoed Cronje's concerns. He warned that disarming trained security personnel would endanger lives and could collapse an industry that supports thousands of households. 'This will lead to more crime and leave communities vulnerable against heavily armed criminals,' he said. 'Instead of targeting licensed security providers, the focus should be on dismantling the illegal firearms trade. Security companies are often the first responders in serious crime situations – criminals arrive in groups and are heavily armed.' 'If our guards are unarmed, we're expected to focus only on prevention, while criminals prepare for confrontation. It's like sending soldiers into battle without their gear. Disarming private security will render them ineffective and give criminals the upper hand,' Venter concluded. Have your say about this issue by sending the News an email at krugersdorpnews@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Proposed amendment for private security gets backlash
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. ALSO READ: Steps to apply for a firearm licence in South Africa '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. ALSO READ: Police bust man with unlicensed firearm in Bedfordview '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. ALSO READ: How to report stolen or lost firearms – Bedfordview SAPS 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@ In addition, visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Security guards urge Psira to focus on rogue firms, not regulations
Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira) has been asked to deal with 'fly-by-night' security firms instead of penalising all companies in the industry. Image: Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira) The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira) has been asked to deal with 'fly-by-night' security companies instead of regulating and restricting the use of firearms, ammunitions and other weapons for all private security firms. Security guards said the industry is under serious threat from non-compliance by fly-by-night security companies. These companies are also believed to be issuing firearms to untrained employees, which is a serious breach of regulations and criminal offense. In March 2025, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu published a Government Gazette following consultations with Psira. The proposal regulations are currently open for public and stakeholder comment until 25 April 2025. One of the most contentious aspects of the proposals is the new restrictions on the issuing of firearms. The amendments state that security companies that are under investigation would be prohibited from issuing firearms to their security officers. Again, security officers could be barred from carrying firearms in public spaces unless they comply with extensive new requirements, which is believed to prohibit officers from operating in public spaces - including malls, restaurants, schools, hospital and even residential streets. Another provision relates to ammunition limits, requiring firms to issue a reasonable quantity without defining what constitutes a reasonable quantity. The amendments also demand that all armed security officers undergo annual medical, psychometric and psychiatric evaluations at their employer's expense. It also restricts the use of semi-automatic rifles. This would only be permitted to officers providing cash-in-transit services, as well as those guarding critical infrastructure or providing anti-poaching services. Furthermore, several less-lethal tools, including rubber bullets, water cannons and tasers would be prohibited unless firms obtain specific exemptions through a complex application process. The reaction to these proposed amendments has been strong, with criticism coming from the SA Gun Owners Association and the DA, among many others. The DA also launched a nationwide petition to oppose the opposing the amendments. Both the association and the DA said the proposed regulations would effectively destroy the industry. The DA added that these proposals would take weapons away from private security guards and put lives in danger. The party said these also threaten more than 500 000 jobs. In addition, officers said instead of punishing the sector, Psira should deal with the fly-by-night companies, adding that they have not followed the regulations A security officer at Pro Secure services who is stationed in Meyerton, Gauteng, said although he believes these are good measures, but the focus should be on the fly-by-night companies. The officer, who asked to remain anonymous, said the industry is under threat from these illegal security services. 'There are many issues in this industry and the biggest of them all is fly-by-night companies, and that's where the focus should be. These companies operate without proper registration and do not follow the industry regulations. "They hire people who are not trained and give them guns, and this put safety at risk. We don't know of some of these people are criminals,' he said. Xolani Radebe, who refused to share the name of his employer, said these proposals should be directed to fly-by-night companies, adding that legitimate security firms should be exempted. 'Otherwise our lives will also be at risk. Both the public and security guards would be in danger if they cut the use of guns in malls and shopping centres. Who would face an armed criminal without a firearm? And you know those people (criminals) are dangerous and imagine what would happen when they know that we are not armed?' 'These regulations should be directed to fly-by-night because they are the ones who do not follow the regulations and exploit employees,' he said. His colleague, Nkosinathi Mazibuko, added: 'This does not make sense at all. I really don't understand because we are not using firearms to commit crime but to protect the assets. There are many fly-by-night companies and the government is not doing anything about them. These fly-by-night firms are everywhere and people are exploited,' he said. In the statement issued earlier this month, Fidelity Services Group CEO, Wahl Bartman, also criticised the amendments, saying there should be mechanisms targeting non-compliant operators. 'The focus should be on differentiated regulatory mechanisms targeting non-compliant operators, such as increased oversight through targeted audits, compliance monitoring, and sanctions without penalising the broader industry,' he said, adding that bona fide companies such as Fidelity have over the years invested millions in staff training and development which need to be viewed within the current framework. Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said the limitation set out in the draft regulations is based on a number of factors, including public interest and necessity. He said there is no prohibition, but only a justification of the type of weapon used, especially in public areas. 'The overall intention of the regulations is to create a safer and more regulated environment within the private security sector, benefiting both service providers and the communities they protect,' said Mogotsi, adding that the department noted concerns expressed from various organisations and individuals. Prisa spokesperson Bonang Kleinbooi said the regulator is no longer taking questions and interviews on the matter. However, in the statement issued on April 11, the Psira rejected claims that the proposed regulations would impede security firms' operations, saying it seeks to strike a balance—supporting the legitimate operations of the industry while addressing concerns about non-compliance and rogue elements. manyane [email protected]
The Citizen
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Proposed amendments threaten security industry
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. ALSO READ: Steps to apply for a firearm licence in South Africa '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. ALSO READ: Police bust man with unlicensed firearm in Bedfordview '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. ALSO READ: How to report stolen or lost firearms – Bedfordview SAPS 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@ In addition, visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
