Draft changes to Private Security Industry Regulation Act resulted in robust engagement with companies: Mchunu

JOHANNESBURG - Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu admitted that his recent decision to make draft amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act had resulted in exactly what they wanted to achieve - a robust engagement with private security companies.

Last week, Mchunu quietly drafted amendments to the act without consultation with the private security sector, resulting in a national outcry.

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The amendments seek to impose tighter restrictions on the types of firearms and ammunition private security companies may possess, placing an administrative burden on the sector, should they want to utilise certain weapons.

Mchunu has encouraged private security companies to submit their complaints and submissions following his draft amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act.

"They’ve been given a deadline. We have not yet reached that deadline. They are free to comment, make submissions and after the deadline, we will start the actual process. So, we welcome any openness. In fact, they are doing what we wanted them to do."

Police portfolio committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, said the police should not have a monopoly in terms of weapons over the private sector, they should be collaborating.

"Let’s take the successes of the last 18 months that we’ve seen from SAPS. In the large majority, especially with regard to very serious and violent crime, it was in collaboration with private security as well."

The public has until 25 April to submit their comments.