NATIONAL NEWS - The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) acknowledges the significant public and industry interest sparked by the recently published draft amendments to the Private Security Industry Firearms Regulations.
We welcome this engagement, as it will generate valuable input from stakeholders for consideration.
The proposed amendments were published by the Honourable Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, on 28 March in the Government Gazette. The draft regulations are open for public and stakeholder comment until 25 April 2025.
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, with over 600 000 registered security officers.
As a R50-billion industry, it is also one of the largest providers of entry-level employment opportunities after the government, and continues to invest significantly in training and skills development.
PSiRA is encouraged by the level of interest the draft amendments have generated and believes this will lead to a high volume of meaningful contributions from the public and stakeholders alike.
In light of the proposed changes, PSiRA reiterates its commitment to ensuring that any regulatory amendments will not compromise the industry’s ability to function effectively. These proposed changes are part of a broader effort to strengthen compliance and oversight, informed by an industry needs analysis.
The Authority seeks to strike a balance - supporting the legitimate operations of the industry while addressing concerns about non-compliance and rogue elements. While we appreciate the passionate responses, we urge the public and all stakeholders to engage on the basis of facts.
PSiRA would like to clarify certain misconceptions currently circulating:
There is no ban on the use of firearms by private security personnel. The proposed amendments do not prohibit firearms outright but introduce conditions under which specific calibres may be used—enhancing oversight, not limiting lawful operations.
The proposed regulations do not restrict the quantity of ammunition issued to security personnel. On the contrary, the aim is to ensure personnel are adequately equipped, allowing for the reasonable use of ammunition in line with operational requirements.
These measures are designed to protect responsible operators and improve industry standards, not hinder lawful businesses. We encourage all stakeholders and the public to continue submitting their comments and concerns as part of the consultation process.
Furthermore, the proposed regulations are in line with international standards.
In other jurisdictions, the regulations are in fact far more stringent.
PSiRA reiterates the fact that the regulations remain in the proposal stage and are also meant to serve as an invitation to have a dialogue with all affected stakeholders in order to create a regulatory framework that is fair but also fit for purpose.
PSiRA’s mandate is derived from the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, 56 of 2001. The Authority’s primary role is to regulate and exercise effective control over the private security industry in the interest of national and public safety, and the sustainability of the industry itself.
Finally, we emphasise that these proposed amendments will undergo the standard legislative process, which includes stakeholder consultations, comprehensive review of submissions, approval by relevant authorities, finalisation, and eventual publication.
IMPORTANT NOTES FROM PSiRA TO EDITORS
Restriction of the use of firearm use in public spaces like malls, churches and even homes
The purpose is to limit the carrying of firearms in places only by security officers who render services that require the carrying of firearms in public places, such as Armed Response and Asset-in-Transit.
The status quo is that generally all other security officers in such public places do not require the use of firearms except in exceptional circumstances. So, this provision is not unreasonable.
Security officers do not carry business firearms in their homes – so this would not apply to them.
Mandatory annual psych test
The rationale behind this provision is to ensure that security officers’ general mental health and emotional condition have been assessed and observed prior to issuing of firearms.
Restriction on vital tools like rubber bullets, water cannons, and even Tasers
Currently, only SAPS and Public Order Police (POP) use water cannons, rubber bullets and tasers for unit, for crowd control and maintaining public order during protests and other public gatherings. Security Officers do not use the above tools for crowd dispersion.
The prohibition is based on the fact that the listed prohibited weapons though considered low risk, are known to cause serious injuries.
Tracking of firearms
PSIRA included this requirement to:
Track who has the firearm and when,
Prevent theft, misuse, or loss of firearms,
Monitor firearm movements in real time during operations,
Assist investigations if something goes wrong (like a shooting or firearm going missing).
With rising concerns around public safety and illegal firearm circulation, this move helps make sure every gun issued is traceable, secured, and responsibly used.
It’s all about building public trust and strengthening compliance and control in the private security sector.
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