South Africa’s private security sector has warned that government’s proposed amendments to firearm regulations could paralyse its ability to protect communities and support law enforcement.

The Witness reports that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu gazetted the proposed changes on March 28, following consultations with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira).

The amendments, aimed at tightening control over firearms and increasing regulatory oversight, have sparked backlash across the sector. The draft has been opened for public comment — but security providers are not holding back.

Several private security companies have voiced concerns, warning that the proposed amendments, if passed, will handcuff those on the frontlines of fighting crime in a country already buckling under the weight of a failing police service.

Shaheen Sulieman, the head of Magma Security and Investigation, said the proposed amendments made no sense. “You’re talking about disarming security personnel while criminals roam armed and dangerous. Security companies are often the first responders at crime scenes — how can we do our jobs if we’re stripped of the tools we need to protect lives?”

While Sulieman supports responsible firearm handling and agrees that visible rifles in public spaces should be regulated, he called for the state to first target illegal firearms and unlicensed individuals, rather than over-regulate professionals.

“Walking around a shopping mall with a visible AK47 is unacceptable — no one disputes that. But a licensed firearm kept safely on a trained officer should not be a problem. Security officers aren’t the threat here — criminals are.”

Njoms Security owner Bruce Mhlongo was equally blunt, accusing the state of acting out of political insecurity, not a genuine concern for safety.

“This is not about crime control — it’s about damage control. The government has lost public trust. People rely on security companies now, not SAPS. These amendments are a knee-jerk reaction to that loss of confidence.”

Mhlongo also criticised poor firearm training within SAPS itself, noting that many police officers fail their competency tests — particularly when reapplying post-retirement.

Colin David of Mi7 National Group in Pietermaritzburg said they would also be submitting comments and objections, adding that these amendments would have a crippling effect on the security industry. David said there should be more consideration before they are passed.

The South African Gun Owners Association warned that the proposed regulations would effectively decimate the private security industry.

“With more than 580 000 security officers supporting millions of clients and filling the void left by a dysfunctional SAPS, private security is a cornerstone of our national safety net,” said spokesperson for the association Gideon Joubert.

“But these Psira amendments threaten to ban armed guards if their company is merely under investigation. They want to restrict firearm use in malls, churches, even homes. And they’re calling for firearm tracking devices that don’t exist.”

Joubert warned of a bleak future if the proposals are passed: “Widespread job losses, shuttered security firms, and a massive vacuum in community protection. And who will fill that void? Criminals.”

With public comment now open, the industry is mobilising rapidly, urging the government to reconsider. Many fear that the very backbone of neighbourhood safety is under threat — and that the real winners of these amendments will not be South Africans, but the criminal elements that already prey on them.

The DA has called on all people who believe that private security is essential for public safety to make public submissions.

“Many communities remain under siege due to out-of-control criminality, which the SAPS alone cannot address. Private security companies are key partners in assisting SAPS in the fight against crime, and must be protected from these draconian regulations,” said DA spokesperson on police Ian Cameron.

A Psira complaints manager said the body has a strict code that private security companies must adhere to.

According to Psira, there are 17 000 registered private security companies and 600 000 registered security personnel.

“Apart from ensuring that those who meet the Psira criteria are registered and allowed to operate, we have about 300 inspectors whose job is to ensure that the registered companies comply with our requirements,” he said.

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