Kgathi reviews Security Act
Oarabile Mosikare | Wednesday July 15, 2015 17:05
Moving the Private Security Services Bill 2015 for the second reading in Parliament, Kgathi said his ministry addressed three Pitso meetings with private security companies between 2012 and 2013. He said the general concern of the companies was that the Control of Security Guards Services Act has been overtaken by events.
Kgathi noted that they have stipulated that the Act only provided for security guards while the industry has developed to include more private security services such as alarm response units, dog sections, closed-circuit television (CCTV) and cash-in transit.
“They proposed a review of the Act and adviced that the private security companies should be strictly regulated and a code of conduct enforced,” he said.
Kgathi also said that these concerns have been addressed in the proposed Private Security Services Bill, 2015. The Bill has five parts and 38 clauses. Under Part II the Clause prescribes that establishment of Private Security Services Licensing Board is established.
'The Board shall consist of three representatives of government, two reps of the private sector, two reps of the security association as well as two additional members from the public,' the Bill says.
The chairperson of the board shall be appointed by the minister.
Part III of the Bill deals with the licensing of private security services and requirements related to the issuance of private security services licenses. “Clause 16 provides that only a person issued with a license by the Board may establish or carry on the business of providing security services. Contravention of this clause is an offence and renders one liable to a fine not exceeding P50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both,” he said.
Kgathi explained that in terms of Clause 22, the minister may through regulations, reserve certain trades or businesses in the security industry for citizens.
The regulations, made by the minister may also provide that only citizens shall be entitled to carry on as security service providers in such areas in the country as may be prescribed or engaged in certain security services.
At Part IV, Clauses (26 to 28) the Bill provides for the appointment of inspectors whose duties include conducting routine inspections of private security services to ensure compliance with the Act.
“Part V of the Bill provides for general provisions and repeals the Control of Security Services Act. At Clause 31 provision is also made for confidentiality by a licensee or former licensee which precludes a licensee or former licensee from divulging of any information acquired in the course of carrying on the business in respect of which the license had been granted,” said Kgathi.