The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) wants to make new regulations that will take weapons away from private security guards. This puts your safety in danger and could destroy over 500 000 jobs.

Security companies won’t be able to do their work properly. Meanwhile, criminals are still heavily armed, and our communities are already under attack.

Quote from Ian Cameron MP, DA Spokesperson on Police:

“If we allow these amendments, we risk diminishing our capacity to combat crime, protect communities, and support those who sacrifice their lives to protect us.”

South Africans deserve safety, not more red tape.

What’s Wrong with PSIRA?

PSIRA, the organisation that wants to bring in these new rules, have a bad record. The were flagged by the Auditor-General for financial problems and mismanagement.

Why should they control such an important industry when they can’t manage their own finances?

PSIRA is not doing its job properly. Instead of stopping criminals in the industry, they want to punish good companies. This will make South Africa even more unsafe.

What These New Regulations Will Do:

1. Jobs will be lost

More than 500,000 security workers could lose their jobs. These are people who need this work to feed their families.

2. Guards at risk from armed criminals

The regulations will stop private security guards from using tasers or guns to deter criminals and defend themselves and others. Criminals will still have weapons, but the security guards will not.

3. Communities will be less safe

Security companies won’t be able to protect neighbourhoods, especially in high-risk areas. This leaves big gaps in safety that PSIRA and SAPS can’t fill.

4. Police will be overloaded

With fewer effective private security guards on duty, more pressure will fall on SAPS, who are already struggling to cope. We can expect slower response times and increased crime.

5. Criminal gangs and illegal services will thrive

When legal security companies close down, criminals will step in. We could see more illegal security and extortion in our communities. Gangs will demand protection monies for false security services.

How You Can Oppose These Regulations:

Submit a Public Comment

You have until 25 April 2025 to say no to these new regulations.

Email your comment to: regulations@psira.co.za

Even a short email matters. Tell them:

“I strongly oppose the draft PSIRA regulations that would disarm private security officers and endanger communities. These amendments must be withdrawn.”

Attend Public Hearings

Stand up and speak out at public hearings. Let PSIRA and the government see that we won’t stay silent while our safety is at risk.

We will share details on this page when the schedule for the public hearings is published by PSIRA.

Sign Our Petition

The DA has launched a petition to stop these bad regulations. Join thousands of South Africans in defending private security, public safety, and jobs. You can access our petition here.