Latest news with #PSIRA
The Herald
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Cache of firearms seized from MaMkhize's home belonged to Matlala's company: Ian Cameron
Briefing the media on Monday, Cameron said eight weeks ago they started questioning how Matlala's company continues to receive accreditation from the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) despite allegations of past transgressions. 'After questioning PSIRA about how they continue to allow accreditation, the answer was they couldn't find a transgression,' Cameron said. 'If it were you and me who kept firearms illegally at a property where they are not registered to be kept and that is not fit and proper for keeping the firearms, we would not only face criminal procedures, but we would obviously have our firearms seized. All the firearms were returned to the security company, and despite parliamentary questions submitted two months ago, there has been no answer.' The revelation has sparked a debate on social media. Here are reactions from X:
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Portfolio Committee to interrogate private security regulator over procurement allegations
Portfolio Committee set to hold PSIRA accountable for alleged procurement fraud Image: File The Portfolio Committee on Police is set to engage with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) in the wake of serious allegations surrounding impropriety and fraud linked to the procurement process of PSiRA's knowledge management system (KMS). These allegations suggest potential misconduct involving senior officials within the authority, raising concerns over the integrity of public procurement processes. The committee has highlighted the importance of this meeting, viewing it as a critical step in ensuring transparency and integrity in an industry that plays a vital role in public safety. PSiRA, which oversees a multibillion-rand private security sector, is under scrutiny not just for its financial practices, but also for its operational transparency. Any negligence in ethical standards or unlawful practices within the regulatory body could have far-reaching implications, undermining the safety delivered by the private security sector and eroding the confidence of the citizens it aims to protect. The allegations specifically point to the manipulation of the KMS contract, leading to the apparent failure of internal safeguards that are designed to comply with public finance legislation. Such a lapse raises urgent questions about the governance and oversight mechanisms currently in place at PSiRA. In its oversight role, the committee is firmly committed to ensuring that accountability measures are enforced. The engagement with PSiRA represents a vital opportunity for the authority to address these serious claims and reaffirm its commitment to ethical governance. IOL
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Hospital security bill soars to R2.5bn amid patient care crisis
The DA noted that PSIRA's annual rate increase stands at only 7.38%, far below the near six-fold rise in overall security spending. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has voiced concern over soaring security costs at Gauteng public hospitals, which have skyrocketed from R655 million in 2022 to R2.54 billion in 2025 — nearly quadrupling in just three years. According to DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom, the rising security expenditure is diverting much-needed funds from critical healthcare services. 'This squeezes out money needed to improve patient care,' said Bloom in a statement on Monday. Multi-million rand contracts under scrutiny Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko revealed in a written reply to the provincial legislature that the increase is due to 'additional points of service provision' and higher rates regulated by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). However, Bloom questioned the justification, noting that PSIRA's annual rate increase stands at only 7.38%, far below the near six-fold rise in overall security spending. 'As a percentage of the total Gauteng health budget, security costs have gone up from 1.1% in 2022 to 3.8% of this year's allocation of R66 billion,' he pointed out. Security bills for major hospitals are among the highest. Chris Hani Baragwanath, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg, and Bertha Gxowa hospitals are paying R77 million, R72 million, and R26 million respectively to private security firms each year. In response to Bloom's inquiry, the department stated: 'The security assessment report conducted justifies the additional increase in the number of guards, and it is in line with the PSIRA rates.' ALSO READ: Mpumalanga primary school pupils treated for food poisoning after eating oranges Guards unpaid despite soaring costs Despite these massive outlays, some security workers are not being paid on time. At Tembisa Hospital, guards have gone on a go-slow, protesting after not being paid for three months. At George Mukhari Hospital, Mafoko Security Patrollers recently lost a court case over failing to pay provident fund contributions. Similar allegations have surfaced at Bertha Gxowa Hospital, where workers claim deductions are not reaching the required funds. Although the department insists it uses 'a monthly performance monitoring tool to ensure that security workers are paid on time and according to legislation,' Bloom said, 'this does not appear to be effective.' ALSO READ: Hospital horror: Cops in frantic search for two premature babies snatched from incubators Calls for accountability Bloom suspects widespread corruption. 'Many security companies seem to be grossly over-charging while underpaying their workers,' he said. The DA has vowed to continue pushing the provincial health department to review the escalating costs. 'Hospital patients suffer because of a lack of budget to fix staff shortages, long queues, and broken equipment,' Bloom warned. The Citizen has contacted the Gauteng Department of Health for further comment but had not received a response at the time of publication. NOW READ: Suspect allegedly confesses to Tembisa Hospital fire
Eyewitness News
20-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Meyerton shootout: Police believe rival taxi associations hired security companies
MEYERTON - Police believe two rival taxi associations may have hired security companies believed to be behind a shootout at the Meyerton taxi rank south of Johannesburg. On Tuesday, armed men exchanged gunfire in the area, turning the busy transport hub into violent chaos. READ: Police recover 10 high-calibre firearms at the Meyerton taxi rank following shootout Investigators said preliminary findings point to a standoff between armed security guards, with one injured in the crossfire. The shootout erupted during peak commuter traffic, with onlookers describing the scene as volatile. Ten firearms, including AK-47s, have been recovered. Bullet casings now litter the ground, while parts of the rank remain taped off. Forensic teams and detectives are trying to determine who hired the guards and why they were allowed to operate in a public space with high-powered weapons. "And that just also information that you will also be verified through our investigations and also verify that if indeed they are security companies, if they are indeed registered with PSIRA," said Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi. She adds that the rival taxi groups may be locked in a territorial dispute over routes.
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Disarmed and defenceless
Most residents and business owners would likely agree that they rely on private security companies as their first line of defence against criminals. However, the proposed amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA) could have dangerous and far-reaching consequences for community safety. So, what are these proposed amendments? 'The police, in conjunction with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, recently gazetted a set of draft amendments aimed at tightening firearm control within the private security sector. According to the gazette, the amendments would limit the number and types of firearms that security personnel may use,' reported The Citizen, a sister publication of the Krugersdorp News. The News reached out to local security companies to understand what impact these changes could have on public safety. Johan Cronje, director at Mapogo A Mathamaga, explained that while the amendment is not yet law, it is expected to take effect on July 1. 'This amendment will strip semi-automatic firearms from the private security sector, impose stricter regulations on carrying standard firearms, limit the amount of ammunition guards can carry, and even ban restraining devices like handcuffs, as well as non-lethal tools such as pepper spray and tasers,' he explained. Cronje stressed the serious implications for residents and business owners who rely on private security for protection. In most cases, it's not the police but private security who respond first during incidents like break-ins. 'Now imagine a criminal breaks into your home, and the people you rely on are unarmed and underprepared. What are they supposed to do – throw rocks at criminals who might be armed with automatic weapons?' he asked. He warned this could trigger a sharp rise in crime. 'Criminals don't care about regulations. These laws won't apply to them – they'll still get their hands on firearms. We're likely to see a spike in armed robberies because our guards will be at a major disadvantage, bound by strict regulations,' Cronje said. Security guards risk their lives daily. Disarming them puts their lives – and the lives of the people they protect – at greater risk. 'How can they defend us without the proper tools?' he asked. Beyond safety, Cronje also raised concerns about the economic impact. 'This could cost the industry an estimated half a million jobs.' Jan Venter, director of Guardmax Protection Services, echoed Cronje's concerns. He warned that disarming trained security personnel would endanger lives and could collapse an industry that supports thousands of households. 'This will lead to more crime and leave communities vulnerable against heavily armed criminals,' he said. 'Instead of targeting licensed security providers, the focus should be on dismantling the illegal firearms trade. Security companies are often the first responders in serious crime situations – criminals arrive in groups and are heavily armed.' 'If our guards are unarmed, we're expected to focus only on prevention, while criminals prepare for confrontation. It's like sending soldiers into battle without their gear. Disarming private security will render them ineffective and give criminals the upper hand,' Venter concluded. Have your say about this issue by sending the News an email at krugersdorpnews@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
