Proposed laws could weaken private security role in fighting crime and unrest, DA says

Private security, accompanied by members of the SAPS, has been conducting operations in Hillbrow to check whether immigrants have the correct documentation.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on government to withdraw and reconsider, in full, the proposed amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) regulations and the Firearms Control Amendment Bill.

The party argues that the state cannot afford to weaken the very security partners it relied on during the volatile events of June 30, when law enforcement agencies faced heightened pressure to maintain public safety.

DA Deputy Spokesperson on Police, Ian Cameron MP, said the unrest had highlighted a reality that communities had long experienced.

“The events around 30 June again showed what communities already know: SAPS cannot fight violent crime alone,” Cameron said.