The civil rights organisation and public participation platform Free SA has issued a strong warning against proposed amendments to the Firearms Regulations under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, calling the draft regulations “vague, unworkable, and a serious threat to public safety.” The organisation, which facilitates public participation in policymaking, reported that over 12 000 public objections have already been submitted through its platform within just 24 hours of launching its campaign.
The amendments, published by the Department of Police on 28 March 2025, introduce a range of restrictive measures that Free SA says will cripple the private security industry, which plays a vital role in public safety. With over 580 000 active security guards, South Africa’s private security sector far outnumbers the South African Police Service, making it essential to the country’s crime prevention efforts.
“These proposed regulations would make it nearly impossible for security firms to operate effectively,” said Reuben Coetzer spokesperson for Free SA. “They impose undefined standards, mandate non-existent technologies, and restrict the tools necessary for protection—without evidence or consultation. Worse, they allow authorities to suspend businesses based merely on investigation, not proof.”
Key concerns raised by Free SA include:
- The vague term “reasonable quantity of ammunition” with no clear definition;
- Arbitrary disqualification of security officers based on ill-defined psychological criteria;
- Unrealistic requirements for firearm tracking devices that currently do not exist;
- A ban on semi-automatic rifles and less-lethal crowd control tools such as rubber bullets;
- And a broken public consultation process—initially listing a non-functioning email address for submissions.
Free SA’s platform allows the public to easily submit official objections, which are then forwarded directly to the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). The organisation emphasised that every submission is legally recognised and forms part of the official public record.
“These regulations will not curb crime—they will disarm those trying to prevent it,” said Free SA. “We urge the Department to withdraw the draft and begin meaningful engagement with stakeholders, including private security providers, legal experts, and civil society.”
The campaign continues to gain momentum, with thousands of concerned citizens raising their voices against the proposal. Free SA invites all members of the public to participate and protect their right to safety.
Click here to read the full campaign and make your voice heard.
