It should worry us all that some private security companies have rogue elements and exhibit signs of becoming a law unto themselves in South Africa. Take for example last week’s deadly shooting in the popular restaurant, Solo, in affluent Sandton City.
Three people died after an armed man attempted to force entry at the eatery. When barred, an altercation ensued and his bodyguards and the establishment’s security became involved in a shoot-out. During the ordeal, more patrons and innocent bystanders could have been caught in the crossfire.
This incident raises concern about the conduct, regulation and ultimately the potential threat to ordinary citizens. Security experts have raised alarm that poor regulation is leading to the manifestation of an underworld force of “bad actors” who hide behind private security for their unlawful activities.
Understandably, the country is grappling with a high rate of crime and in turn, some citizens resort to hiring private security for their protection. It complicates issues as the very need for personal safety can pose a threat to public safety. The heavy artillery they carry is often more sophisticated than that of the country’s police force. More concerning is that in the same incident, the police shied away from actively reacting to the situation as they were ill-equipped compared with the attackers.
This reiterates the need for effective regulation of this industry. The lines easily get blurred and open up opportunities for lawlessness under the guise of “protection” for whoever is paying them.
The rate at which we see people slinging guns in the open, in malls, restaurants, graveyards or other public spaces is not normal.
Beyond exercising restraint and respecting the law, those who contract private security should not do so to act outside the bounds of set rules and brandish their “power”.
Though that should be the standard procedure, the pressing issue is the role of organisations such as the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority. Their lack of oversight is contrary to the reason they exist, and so too is their silence when incidents such as this one take place. We cannot let the erosion of authority and accountability they are enabling continue.
Equally, it is unacceptable that men in uniform trusted with the safety of all in this country take cover when met with criminals, especially because they are not properly capacitated. What kind of a country are we building where private security is more powerful than the police?
The reliance on private security is a result of poor country management and a lack of appreciation of the importance of fostering safe environments. The gap that they are filling should not be there in the first place.
More needs to be done to protect citizens from criminals, rogue elements in formalised industries and crime in itself. These phenomena should be thwarted before more lives are lost.
For opinion and analysis consideration, email Opinions@timeslive.co.za
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