South Africa's private security industry voiced strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, which could drastically alter their operations.
The draft amendments, gazetted earlier today by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, include provisions that would require private security firms to seek approval seven days in advance before using any weapon that could harm the public. This includes items such as rubber bullets, tear gas, tasers, and water cannons.
Martin Hood, a specialist attorney in firearms and security law, criticized the amendments as "unworkable" and disconnected from the industry's reality. He argued that the proposed changes would create a substantial administrative burden for security companies, which would ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher costs.
As the public was given until the end of the month to submit their feedback on the draft amendments, the security industry now waits to see whether the proposed regulations will be altered or enforced. Will these changes strengthen public safety, or will they backfire on the very industry meant to protect the public? Only time will tell.
