Public Outcry Grows as Nearly 30,000 Object to PSIRA’s Draft Firearm Rules

Public backlash against the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority’s (PSIRA) proposed firearm regulations is escalating, with nearly 30,000 objections lodged through civil rights group Free SA. Critics say the draft regulations pose a serious threat to public safety, particularly in crime-ridden communities where private security often fills the void left by an overstretched South African Police Service (SAPS).

“This is not just about regulatory overreach; it’s about people’s lives,” said Reuben Coetzer, spokesperson for Free SA. “The draft regulations are disconnected from the realities of crime in our country.”

The amendments under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act would ban security officers from using personally owned firearms while on duty, and enforce strict new rules on record-keeping, training, and firearm management. But communities and security professionals alike fear the proposed changes will disarm the very people who keep them safe.

Voices from the Ground

In submissions collected by Free SA, residents from across the country expressed fear and frustration:

• “Private security came when my wife was attacked. SAPS came three hours later. If these rules pass, who do I call next time?”

• “We don’t see SAPS in our community. If you take away our security patrols’ tools, who will protect us?”

Free SA reports receiving 28,395 individual objections, arguing that the regulations violate constitutional rights and ignore effective safety models like the Western Cape’s LEAP programme.

Legal Gaps and Concerns

Critics also flagged ambiguous language in the draft—such as the undefined “reasonable quantity of ammunition”—and impractical mandates like firearm tracking devices, raising legal and operational concerns.

The consultation process itself has come under fire, with Free SA calling it legally flawed and insufficiently inclusive.

Industry-Wide Rejection

The resistance isn’t limited to civil society. Six leading private security associations—including SANSEA, SASA, TAPSOSA, and LASA—have formally rejected the draft. Together, they’ve enlisted firearms law expert Martin Hood to lead their legal challenge.

“If these regulations are promulgated, it will result in massive job losses and will put the safety of the public at risk,” said Steve Conradie, Chairperson of the National Security Forum.

A Call for Collaborative Reform

While security sector stakeholders agree that accountability is crucial, they insist reforms must be balanced and workable.

“We urge the government to work collaboratively with the sector,” Conradie added. “Let’s build solutions that protect the public and the livelihoods of thousands in the industry.”

As the pressure mounts, the spotlight is now on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and PSIRA to reconsider or withdraw the draft entirely. The public’s response is clear: when it comes to crime and safety in South Africa, community voices demand to be heard.

{Source: IOL}

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