Strict compliance and greater cooperation between private security and SAPS is crucial.
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) has been urged to ensure it keeps track of security companies that possess firearms as well as ensure that properly-registered personnel utilise these firearms.
This is the view of the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa in reference to a Parliamentary reply submitted recently on whether companies comply with firearms allocated to them, whether they are properly registered with PSIRA as well as possession of competency certificates.
He said it is also incumbent upon any security company to ensure that only legitimate and registered guards utilise these firearms. “Any employee of these companies who is found in possession of a firearm without authority, not only risks arrest but we will impose heavy sentences to the company itself, its licenses revoked thus render them illegitimate to operate in future.”
The Minister further stated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) Central Firearms Registry office does not keep separate records of security guards that are applying for competency certificates, as they are currently applying like all individual applicants and not in their official capacity, as security guards. To this end, there is no preferential treatment for any company but the emphasis has been on ensuring that applicants are informed of their status on an ongoing basis.
No person can possess or utilise a firearm if a competency certificate has not been granted. Any person found to have transgressed this policy will be investigated and appropriate steps taken against them.
"Many businesses and households make use of private security companies to protect their homes and assets. The increasing number of private security guards poses two issues for government. The first issue involves greater cooperation between private security and SAPS. The second involves ensuring that criminal elements are not able to infiltrate the private security industry,” stated the Minister.
Last year the ministry initiated a process to review the functioning of the PSIRA. Arising out of this review gaps and weaknesses with the current legislation where identified. A process is now being set in motion which will not only address the legislation governing the regulation of the private security industry but also immediate operational deficiencies that require our intervention.
In addition the review and amendments to the Firearms Control Act will also look at tightening firearms in the hands of security companies and better training for security guards who carry firearms.
For enquiries, please contact:
Zweli Mnisi
Spokesperson to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Police
Cell: 082 045 4024
