Murder, robberies and illegal firearms tarnish private security reputation

A series of arrests and investigations targeting private security personnel has sparked concerns about the conduct of individuals entrusted with protecting lives and property. Allegations have ranged from murder and cash-in-transit robberies to the possession of illegal firearms and questions about adherence to regulations. The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira) faces the challenge of not only registering companies and security officers but also identifying potential risks.

Recently, police confiscated 100 illegal firearms and ammunition from a security firm in Soweto. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has linked the company, CAT VIP Protection, to underworld figure Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who is suspected of involvement in fraud, corruption, and money laundering schemes. Matlala is also facing trial for allegedly participating in three assassination attempts.

Former KwaZulu-Natal security chief Bruce Mhlongo was arrested in October 2022 for his alleged role in the 2022 murder of school teacher Thabani Zondi. In Limpopo, security company director Makopole Mathunyane was apprehended in December following a joint operation involving the Hawks and Psira, during which unlicensed firearms and ammunition were seized.

Eastern Cape security boss Thembinkosi Yanta and an employee were arrested in November 2024 for allegedly possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Mark Kannemeyer, a senior official from a private security company, was arrested in November 2024 during a sting operation for allegedly attempting to sell a firearm to undercover officers.

In January 2023, a security company owner was arrested following the recovery of vehicles linked to an attempted cash-in-transit robbery near Boipatong in the Vaal. Psira's spokesperson, Bonang Kleinbooi, had not provided a comment as of the article's publication date.