Watchdog hits back at private security warnings

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) has rejected claims from private security companies that proposed regulatory amendments on firearms will impede their ability to operate.

Police minister Senzo Mchunu published draft amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act on Friday, 28 March 2025, sparking backlash from players like the Fidelity Services Group.

Portfolio Committee on Police chair Ian Cameron also criticised the proposed changes.

“PSIRA acknowledges the significant public and industry interest sparked by the recently published draft amendments,” the regulator said.

“The private security industry plays a critical role in South Africa’s safety and economic landscape. It contributes to crime prevention and public protection and is a major employer.”

PSIRA said it was encouraged by the interest the draft amendments have generated and stated that the changes would not compromise the industry’s ability to function effectively.

“The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to strengthen compliance and oversight, informed by an industry needs analysis,” said PSIRA.

It added that several misconceptions are circulating regarding the proposed changes.

PSIRA emphasised that there is no ban on private security personnel’s use of firearms.

“The proposed amendments do not prohibit firearms outright but introduce conditions under which specific calibres may be used — enhancing oversight, not limiting lawful operations,” it said.

PSIRA also said the proposed regulations don’t restrict the quantity of ammunition issued to security personnel. Instead, it says the aim is to ensure personnel are adequately equipped.

“These measures are designed to protect responsible operators and improve industry standards, not hinder lawful businesses.”

According to PSIRA, the amendments propose restricting the use of firearms in spaces like malls, churches, and homes. The purpose is to limit the carrying of firearms to security officers working in Armed Response and Asset-in-Transit services.

“The status quo is that, generally, all other security officers in such public spaces do not require the use of firearms except in exceptional circumstances. So, this provision is not unreasonable,” it argued.

Industry backlash

Fidelity Services CEO Wahl Bartmann and The Association of Private Security Owners of South Africa (TAPSOSA) have argued that the changes would effectively render private security firms dysfunctional.

Bartmann said Fidelity would oppose the proposed amendments through legal avenues.

“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,” he said.

While he acknowledged the proposed amendments’ intent to tighten controls on weapons and firearms while increasing industry oversight, he warned that they could have far-reaching consequences.

He criticised the lack of clarity regarding the proposed restrictions on firearms and ammunition, describing them as a significant concern.

He wants police minister 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.”

TAPSOSA spokesperson Sindiswa Changuion called for PSIRA to review the draft amendments.

She warned that restricting the tools of trade within the private security industry could render the industry dysfunctional in terms of the way it renders services to clients.

She also warned that restricting the use of semi-automatic rifles could be disastrous in high-risk areas.

“There are people that require tactical intervention units. There are people guarding high-risk areas,” said Changioun.

“If you are going to be restricting the ammunition that is supposed to be used by those companies, you are going to render them dysfunctional.”

“We feel that consultation was thoroughly needed so that you understand the practicality and the impact operationally that these amendments would have,” she added.