The stringent draft regulations for possessing and using firearms in South Africa’s private security industry will leave South Africans even more vulnerable to crime.
South Africa’s private security industry is one of the largest in the world and the sole reason for this is the South African Police Service’s utter failure to protect the people against crime.
The draft regulations were published in the Government Gazette last Friday (28 March).
According to a report by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police (10 May 2023), the industry had around 2,56 million registered security guards in 2023 with 586 000 being actively employed by more than 12 000 companies.
In contrast, the police force had only 180 000 members in 2023, with a large number not doing active police work as they are employed as administrative personnel.
South Africa is one of the countries in the world with the highest level of serious and violent crime, so, it is equally ironic and tragic that the police force, which is failing to fulfil its duty, wants to restrict the industry currently protecting South Africans.
It is, however, important to note that the proposals regarding the industry are merely draft regulations at this stage, not enforceable legislation nor a proposed amendment act.
These proposals are, furthermore, only in their infancy and aimed at the private security industry, not private firearm owners. A public participation process is currently underway, allowing all role players to make submissions before the draft regulations are adopted and implemented.
Ordinary South Africans will bear the brunt if crime prevention is diluted any further, and the Freedom Front Plus is calling on all role players to make submissions during the public participation process.
Regulations give effect to an act’s provisions. Therefore, any regulations that run counter to existing legislation are invalid and cannot be implemented. Government is already over-regulating this industry.
The regulations aim, among other things, to restrict private security guards’ use of firearms in public spaces, such as shopping malls, churches and even homes, and place undefined limits on ammunition.
Another objective is to prohibit private security companies from using less lethal forms of weapons and ammunition, such as rubber bullets, water cannons and even tasers.
