Cop action urged to bar criminal gangs infiltrating security industry

SECURITY companies want the police to play a proactive role in preventing criminal organisations from infiltrating the security industry, by conducting thorough assessments.

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula, while visiting Glebelands Hostel in uMlazi this weekend, laid into the industry, saying some companies were fronts for criminal enterprises.

In media reports South Africa’s private security industry has been valued at around R40 billion a year.

Industry sources who declined to be named said the minister was correct, as some companies were set up, for example, to defend drug businesses.

Mbalula said some security companies were criminal enterprises registered to gain cover and permission to carry weapons.

Recently, a video of two private “bodyguards”, contracted to protect ANC leader in eThekwini Bheki Ntuli, were recorded brandishing high calibre weapons and threatening violence. They were subsequently suspended.

Mbalula said the degeneration of the rule of law started with armed militias masquerading as private security companies.

“Criminals have found a loophole in having access to heavy weapons through registering security companies.”

Mbalula said the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority had been instructed to do a nationwide audit. This would include data collection and ensuring compliance with the law.

Mbalula said unlawful security companies posed a danger to society and strong regulation was required.

Glen Naidoo of KZN VIP said Mbalula’s remarks were an admission that crime intelligence was not doing its job.

“It is saddening to hear what the minister said but he should tell us what is he going to do about it, how will he disarm all those people,” said Naidoo. “Crime intelligence’s role is to look closely at those companies. The process is not tight enough.

“The background checks should be thorough to ensure police know who is starting a security company and for what reason.”

Naidoo said it was also important that police consulted community policing forums.

Blue Security Operations director Brian Jackson said fly-by-night security companies were a problem in the sector. This is why it was advisable to do your homework before signing up with a security company.

“Professional companies require staff to undergo surprise random lie detector tests at any given time, as a precaution against criminal elements attempting to approach staff with a view to luring them into illegal activities.”

Lucky Sukool of the Asherville Community Policing Forum said, police should take the lead in dealing with the problem as they were responsible for registering the companies.