First published on BizNews
South Africa is battling an unprecedented violent crime crisis. Every day, more than 75 people are murdered, over 120 are raped, and countless others fall victim to armed robberies, home invasions, and organized crime. In this high-risk environment, the private security industry plays a crucial role in protecting lives and property—often filling the void left by an under-resourced and overwhelmed SAPS (South African Police Service).
Instead of supporting this vital sector, government is proposing damaging amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA). These draft regulations could cripple security firms, disarm trained personnel of their firearms, and jeopardize public safety across the country.
Proposed PSIRA Regulations Threaten South Africa’s First Line of Defense
If the draft PSIRA regulations are enacted in their current form, they will:
-
Disarm private security officers in public spaces
-
Require unproven and expensive firearm tracking technology
-
Criminalize standard non-lethal tools like handcuffs and cable ties
-
Impose vague, unconstitutional legal standards
-
Drive small and medium-sized security firms out of business
Banning Firearms Where They’re Needed Most
Under the proposed changes, security officers would be banned from carrying firearms in public areas such as:
-
Malls
-
Schools
-
Churches
-
Taxi ranks
-
Hospitals
These are exactly the environments where violent crimes frequently occur—and where armed, rapid response is essential. Stripping security officers of firearms in these spaces will empower criminals and put civilians at greater risk.
Technological Overreach with No Practical Basis
The draft regulations require that all firearms used by security companies be fitted with a “tracking device” approved by PSIRA. However, no details are provided about the nature of this technology—whether it involves GPS, RFID, or microchips—and no evidence exists that such solutions are commercially viable at scale.
This is a costly and unrealistic mandate that could make thousands of firearms unusable, weakening the capacity of private security teams across the country.
Criminalizing Common Non-Lethal Tools
The regulations also propose classifying basic tools like handcuffs and cable ties as “weapons” requiring prior approval. This would also apply to:
-
Tasers
-
Rubber bullets
-
Sponge grenades
These are standard issue tools used in non-lethal threat management. Requiring seven days’ written notice for their use during emergencies is absurd and dangerous. It will delay or prevent appropriate response in life-threatening situations.
Legal Vagueness and Constitutional Concerns
The draft is riddled with undefined terms such as:
-
“Reasonable quantity of ammunition”
-
“High calibre firearm”
These ambiguities invite arbitrary enforcement and create legal uncertainty for employers and officers.
Worse still, the regulations propose to bar firearm use for officers under investigation—without any finding of guilt. This undermines the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of the Constitution.
Discriminatory and Unworkable Medical Mandates
Requiring annual psychological, neurological, and physical assessments for every security guard is unrealistic. Even SAPS and SANDF members are not held to this standard.
South Africa lacks the capacity to conduct hundreds of thousands of medical evaluations annually. This proposal is not only discriminatory but entirely impractical.
No Safety Strategy—Just Centralized Political Control?
There has been:
-
No Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA)
-
No stakeholder engagement
-
No implementation roadmap
These regulations appear to be more about centralizing power and controlling a sector that has outperformed the state in many communities, rather than improving public safety.
Who Will Fill the Security Gap?
If these regulations pass:
-
Smaller security companies will collapse
-
Response times will worsen
-
High-crime areas will be left vulnerable
With fewer professional security options, many communities may turn to private firearm ownership, fueling the very gun proliferation government claims to be fighting.
What Must Be Done: Withdraw the Draft PSIRA Regulations
These regulations must be immediately withdrawn. South Africa needs a consultative, evidence-based, and constitutionally compliant approach to security reform. Instead of undermining private security, government should focus on:
-
Strengthening public-private safety partnerships
-
Investing in SAPS reform and training
-
Developing realistic regulatory frameworks
How You Can Take Action
– Public comment is open until 25 April 2025
– Send your submission to: Regulations@psira.co.za
Speak out now. The safety of your family, your community, and your country depends on it.
Ian Cameron is the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police
