Private security can't legally remove or harass people in public areas

Private security officers in South Africa do not have the authority to remove or harass people on public streets, the industry regulator said.

Many residents and businesses hire security companies to monitor neighbourhoods, but this can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and overreach.

Mobile fishmonger Ishmaeel Kippie told Cape Talk how he was followed and confronted by private security officers while making deliveries, even after explaining his business.

"The private security industry, the security officers, they're not like the South African Police Service. They do not have that authority. They pretty much have the same powers and authority as an ordinary citizen of the country. The difference could be if they are contractually bound by a particular client to provide equity services on particular premises. We're talking about a public road here, where those powers are not bestowed upon them," explained Eddie Booysen, acting provincial manager in the Western Cape for the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).

Booysen adds that officers can perform a citizen’s arrest, if necessary, but cannot use excessive force or tell someone to leave a public area.

He stressed that misconduct is monitored, with inspectors investigating questionable actions.

While police often rely on private security for support, companies are encouraged to respect citizens' rights.

Booysen warned that people being followed or asked to leave by security officers should calmly assert their rights, noting that the law binds them.

For more details, listen to Booysen using the audio player below: