Police ministry defends new private security regulations

CAPE TOWN - The police ministry has defended the new private security regulations, saying they’re not excessive, but necessary for regulating illegal firearms.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is opposed to the proposed amendments to the private security industry regulations, which include restricting firearm use and banning certain weapons.

READ:Private security companies say amendments to the Regulation Act can't be implemented

Responding to questions in the National Assembly as part of the peace and security cluster, Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale said the new regulations were not an overreach.

He also gave examples of why they’re necessary.

"The proposed measures are a considered and evidence-based response to serious risks observed within segments of the private security industry, incidents such as the sale and false reporting of firearms by a security company in Mpumalanga."