Petition to Oppose Dangerous Private Security Disarmament Regulations Launched

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched a national petition to oppose the proposed amendments by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) that threaten to disarm private security officers and undermine community safety.

These draft regulations will severely restrict private security companies’ ability to operate effectively by limiting access to essential tools such as tasers, other less lethal options and even certain firearms.

The regulations essentially mean criminals can rob jewellery stores with pocket knives and zama zamas with AK-47’s would need to be fought off with small sidearms like 9mm pistols.

This will not only endanger the lives of the brave men and women who risk themselves daily to protect South Africans but will also leave communities more vulnerable to violent crime.

Furthermore, the regulations would likely also threaten short term insurance cover as security services could be arbitrarily suspended overnight.

Private security plays a vital role in supporting the South African Police Service (SAPS), especially in the face of rising crime and stretched public law enforcement resources. With over 500 000 South Africans employed in the sector, these regulations also risk devastating job losses in an industry that forms the backbone of many communities’ safety and livelihoods.

The handful of rogue elements in the security industry that take part in extortion and other crimes can be policed and convicted with existing regulations and legislation. The proposed amendments will cause far greater damage to the honest stakeholders than the criminals who would simply continue their illicit rampage.

The DA is deeply concerned that PSIRA – an entity that has itself faced material findings from the Auditor-General – is now pushing to impose overreaching, unworkable rules that will cripple the very industry it is meant to regulate.

We call on all South Africans who care about safety and security to join us in opposing these draconian amendments.

Sign the DA’s petition today at: https://petitions.da.org.za/p/dont-disarm-private-security

And make your voice heard by sending objections to: Regulations@psira.co.za before 25 April 2025.

Together, we can stand up against these dangerous proposals and protect the people who protect us.

Regards

Ian Cameron MP
DA Spokesperson on Police