Private security and the Law

[MickeyD]

What is the law with regards to employing private security guards who walk around in public with semi-automatic weapons visibly displayed?

Do they require permits, special permission to be in specific places for specific periods of time, etc., especially in the case of a non-office bearing person? (i.e. a private individual) ?

Here's a photo of such a gentleman "guarding" the court house at Mr Malema's trial today. Neither of them are state officials.

 

[LazyLion]

Depends, are you a card carrying ANC member?

 

[Vrotappel]

I also wondered about this. Maybe the law does not apply to malema.

 

[xrapidx]

Maybe the law does not apply to malema.

Since when did it start?

 

[Fudzy]

Wouldn't it be the same as cash in transit chaps?

 

[Fudzy]

Also, what gun is that? What's that silver thingy at the end of the barrel?

 

[MickeyD]

Folks, this is not only about Malema; it has happened at other occasions as well.

Right wing, left wing - I don't care.

My question is about the LAW and not the individuals.

 

[MickeyD]

Wouldn't it be the same as cash in transit chaps?

They are very strictly controlled and well regulated, so it is not relevant.

 

[xrapidx]

Also, what gun is that? What's that silver thingy at the end of the barrel?

http://www.gunsite.co.za/content/articles/the-dashprod-sar-m14-rifle/

EDIT: I want one for self defence

 

[gregmcc]

I've wondered about this as well. From the Gun control act:

Carrying of firearm in public place
84. (1) No person may carry a firearm in a public place unless the firearm is carried—
(a) in the case of a handgun—
(i) in a holster or similar holder designed, manufactured or adapted for the
carrying of a handgun and attached to his or her person; or
(ii) in a rucksack or similar holder; or
(b) in the case of any other firearm, in a holder designed, manufactured or adapted
for the carrying of the firearm.
(2) A firearm contemplated in subsection (1) must be completely covered and the
person carrying the firearm must be able to exercise effective control over such firearm.

 

[Fudzy]

Anyone know what protection service that is?

 

[TheHiveMind]

The court should know if they have broken the law, they are there everyday.

 

[gregmcc]

The court should know if they have broken the law, they are there everyday.

You relying on the court to uphold the law?!!

 

[TheHiveMind]

You relying on the court to uphold the law?!!

No. If they are breaking the law and the court didn't notice, then some heads must roll.

 

[MickeyD]

No. If they are breaking the law and the court didn't notice, then some heads must roll.

It's the Equality Court and the NPA are not involved. SAPS -> NPA -> Court

 

[marine1]

These guys if private and not gvt must be registered with PSIRA.
There are different grades, A being highest E being lowest.
They must also have gone through the SAPS competency in order to carry handgun, shotgun, rifle, hand machine carbine.
They guards here are using Dashprod .223 / 5.56 semi auto rifles.
They are most definitely private and most definitely very expensive.
This IMO is a show of force and intended to intimidate

 

[MickeyD]

These guys if private and not gvt must be registered with PSIRA.
There are different grades, A being highest E being lowest.
They must also have gone through the SAPS competency in order to carry handgun, shotgun, rifle, hand machine carbine.
They guards here are using Dashprod .223 / 5.56 semi auto rifles.
They are most definitely private and most definitely very expensive.
This IMO is a show of force and intended to intimidate

So if you are trained and registered with PSIRA you can waltz around the streets with a semi automatic rifle?

 

[TheHiveMind]

It's the Equality Court and the NPA are not involved. SAPS -> NPA -> Court

I'm pretty sure the people in the industry are watching this precident setting case much more closely than we are.

If this was against the law, they should've said something.

 

[marine1]

So if you are trained and registered with PSIRA you can waltz around the streets with a semi automatic rifle?

If you are on "duty" and doing an official job with registered weapons and have the right certification then yes.
No different to Cash in Transit armed guards. They are protecting an asset

 

[Mars]

What is wrong with that guys ear? A couple of over zealous "Comere bouy" from his mom or what?