At RPS Security, we put community safety first — always. We work hand-in-hand with law enforcement to protect the people and places that matter most. That’s why we’re actively reviewing the newly proposed amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulations Act.
Published by the Police Ministry in March 2025, these draft changes aim to tighten control over how private security companies use firearms and non-lethal tools. While we respect the goal of improving oversight, we believe several proposals need careful adjustment to avoid unintended risks to public safety and security operations.
What’s Changing?
Some of the proposed amendments include:
- Tighter restrictions on when and where armed guards can operate.
- Limiting the amount of ammunition security officers can carry.
- Requiring psychological assessments for armed guards every year.
- Moreover, the proposed changes include restricting the use of non-lethal tools—such as tasers, rubber bullets, and water cannons—unless they receive specific approval.
- Mandatory tracking devices on all security firearms.
Why It Matters
Private security companies like RPS Security help protect high-risk places. These include shopping centres, schools, hospitals, and transport hubs. Criminals often target these areas. However, our presence helps stop crime before it happens. We also respond quickly when trouble starts. These locations are frequent targets for crime — but our presence helps deter criminal activity and ensures a quick response when needed.
However, if regulations block security teams from using essential tools or force them to stop operations due to vague investigations, communities may face unnecessary risk. Simply put, we can’t afford to let red tape weaken frontline protection. Safety must come first — always.
We advocate for more effective regulation. Implementing psychological assessments, promoting responsible weapon usage, and ensuring robust industry oversight are crucial. However, these efforts must remain practical, well-defined, and aligned with the realities of how the industry functions at its core.
Our Position
- “Reasonable” ammo limits should be clearly defined to avoid confusion.
- Evaluations must follow clear, national guidelines to ensure fairness.
- Non-lethal equipment saves lives — its safe use should be supported, not restricted.
We are also mindful of the economic impact. The private security sector provides thousands of jobs, especially in vulnerable communities. Over-regulation could risk livelihoods and reduce investment in safety services across the country.
What Comes Next?
The proposed regulations are still in draft form, which means there’s still time to make a difference. The public now has a valuable opportunity to speak up and share their views. At RPS Security, we’re actively preparing our recommendations, and we strongly encourage our clients, industry partners, and concerned citizens to do the same. By working together and engaging in the process, we can help shape fair and effective regulations that keep our communities safe.
Together, we can build safer communities through balanced, effective regulation.
Let’s protect Rustenburg and South Africa – not weaken the teams working to keep it safe.
Stay informed. Stay involved. And stay secure with RPS Security.
Original article posted in My Broadband By Myles Illidge on 10.04.2025
Leave a Reply