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

The DA’s spokesperson on Police Ian Cameron and several other critics say 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.

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“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.”

Cameron says 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.

In addition, Cameron argues that these regulations put at risk the jobs of 500,000 people employed in the Private Security Sector.

“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.”

Meanwhile, PSIRA has rejected these claims, saying there is no ban on the use of firearms by private security personnel, but the proposed amendments aim to introduce conditions under which specific calibres may be used – which should enhance oversight and not limit lawful operations.

PSIRA says 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.

According to the Authority, 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.

But Cameron says the existing regulations are adequate, they just need to be enforced properly.

You can sign the DA’s petition HERE.

Objections to the proposed amendments can be emailed before 25 April 2025: Regulations@psira.co.za