Clean-up in security industry continues

Mixed reactions flew in when Honeydew Police went on a joint operation with inspectors from Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira).

The two law enforcement agencies carried out a massive blitz at business premises in the area which was aimed at cleaning up the security industry.

The operation took place on 19 June with the aim of checking and verifying the legality of security guards. According to Psira spokesperson Maggy Moroaswi, this was a routine inspection that they do from time to time to curb the influx of illegal security guards in the industry. On the day, the three centres raided were Retail Crossing Shopping Centre in Wilgeheuwel, Hillfox Value Centre in Weltevreden Park and Five Star Offices in Honeydew. “With these inspections we are also able to detect possible contraventions of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act; to sniff out security officers operating while not trained and registered as well as security companies that employ unregistered security personnel.”

According to Psira regulations, whether operating as an individual or working for a company, a guard must be registered with them. Operating without being registered is illegal and a chargeable offence. Moroaswi mentioned that registered security guards are essential in the fight against crime. “Proper training ensures that security officers are equipped to carry out their duties in protecting the country, its assets and most importantly, its citizens.”

Spokesperson for Honeydew Police Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs said this is one of the measures that they believe will bring down car theft and theft out of motor vehicles, especially at shopping complexes. In the past few months, there were allegations raised by some residents that car guards were actually involved with car jammings, leading to theft out of motor vehicles and theft of motor vehicles. “Having registered guards will help our fight against crime,” added Jacobs.

During the operation, 23 security guards (including car guards) were arrested for rendering security services without being registered with Psira.

Allen’s Nek resident Marius van der Walt, who was at Hillfox Value Centre when the guards were arrested, was quite happy with the outcome. “These guards are just useless and they are the actual criminals because they give information to car thieves.” Van der Walt explained that he was a victim of car jamming in December last year at the very same centre and the car guards were not of any help. “The guard, who was standing next to my car, said he didn’t see anything. My Ipad and laptop got stolen.”

Weltevreden Park resident Marie de Beer was furious and said she felt it was wrong for the police to arrest the guards. “These guys are trying to make a living; they are not stealing anything from anyone.” She said she valued the guards’ presence when she went shopping. “I feel very safe when they are here, nothing wrong will happen to your car in their presence.”