Warning to people in South Africa who use private security

Fidelity Services Group CEO Wahl Bartmann has warned that police minister Senzo Mchunu’s proposed private security regulation changes could dramatically increase the already high levels of crime in South Africa.

He says the Fidelity Services Group will oppose the proposed amendments through its legal team.

“We believe these amendments, if implemented in their current form, could seriously undermine the stability and effectiveness of the private security industry, and by extension, the safety of South African citizens,” said Bartmann.

Mchunu published draft amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulations Act on Friday, 28 March 2025. They propose imposing stricter limitations on the use of firearms and non-lethal weapons by private security companies.

Bartmann acknowledged the intent of the proposed amendments to tighten firearm and weapon controls in South Africa while increasing regulatory oversight.

However, he warned that the changes could have far-reaching consequences for industry operations and public safety.

“These amendments propose that armed guards be prohibited from performing their duties if their employing company is under investigation — regardless of any proven wrongdoing,” says Bartmann.

“This could significantly disrupt security operations and potentially leave vulnerable areas unprotected.”

The Fidelity CEO also highlighted the limitation on firearm use and ammunition as a significant concern. He warned that the proposed restrictions on firearms in public places could hinder security personnel from responding to threats.

Bartmann wants Mchunu to define these limitations clearly.

“The lack of precision in defining a ‘reasonable quantity’ of ammunition creates room for subjective interpretation and inconsistent enforcement,” he said.

“It is recommended that any such limits be clearly defined and adaptable to operational contexts.”

Another proposed change is enforcing annual psychological evaluations for armed private security personnel, which must be funded by their employer.

Bartmann again highlighted a lack of clarity, with no clear guidelines on the evaluation standard or criteria. He warned that this could result in confusion and inconsistent application.

Mchunu’s draft amendments also propose prohibiting private security officers from using non-lethal equipment like rubber bullets, water cannons, and tasers unless it has already been registered and approved by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Association.

“From experience, we have seen how these non-lethal tools are instrumental in de-escalating potentially violent situations while avoiding deadly force. We strongly recommend their regulated use should be maintained,” said Bartmann.

He also raised concerns over the broader impact on public safety by restricting armed officers in public spaces like shopping centres, schools, healthcare facilities, and transport hubs.

Bartmann said these areas are frequently targeted for crime, and armed personnel act as a deterrent and a rapid response mechanism.

Mchunu’s draft amendments proposed making tracking devices mandatory for all firearms, and Bartmann said this would place operational and financial strain on private security firms.

He also raised concerns about the legal and constitutional implications the amendments could carry.

“As an industry we are concerned aspects of the proposed amendments may contravene constitutional rights, particularly the right to fair administrative action, the right to the security of a person, and the right to practice lawful trade or occupation,” he said.

“There may also be inconsistencies with existing statutory frameworks.”

Bartmann further cautioned against the proposed amendments’ potential economic and developmental implications.

He warned that “overly burdensome” regulations could result in significant job losses, business closures, and reduced local investment within the private security sector, a significant employer for vulnerable communities in South Africa.

The chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, who also criticised the proposed amendments, is calling for all South Africans who believe that private security is essential to make public submissions to Psira.

“The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority’s recently published draft regulations will make it harder for private security companies to keep communities safe and must be opposed,” he said.

“Many communities remain under siege due to out-of-control criminality, which the South African Police Service cannot address alone.”