Private Security, SAPS and Government Law Enforcement Agencies must work together to secure safety
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Francois Beukman, has called for cooperation between the private security industry, the South African Police Services (SAPS) and other government law enforcement agencies to strengthen community safety.
The Committee is on a three-day visit to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro where it will oversee police stations and other safety-oriented entities, including the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority and other specialised units.
Mr Beukman said the residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro deserved a coordinated effort to provide safety services, especially given that all forms of crime have increased in this area.
“Our efforts should impact genuinely on ordinary people and should not be the preserve of those who have access to resources. A coordinated approach that will impact on crime in the area and also deliver on the broader government objective of safe communities is required,” Mr Beukman said.
Earlier, the Committee attended the opening of the new regional offices of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) in Port Elizabeth. Chief Executive Officer Mr Manabela Chauke told Members that PSIRA has been in existence for 20 years.
Mr Beukman said Parliament needs to increase its oversight role in relation to the private security industry as it is one of the critical institutions tasked with providing safety services to the people.
Tomorrow the Committee will visit New Brighton Police Station as well as the Terrestrial Trunk Radio (TETRA) project.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Sibongile Maputi
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 081 052 6060
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
