10 Mar 2015

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi, says from 2012 to date, police have dealt with a total of 345 cases involving employees of private security companies.

Speaking at the third Private Security Companies Pitsoin Frnacistown on March 9, Minister Kgathi stated that the private security industry was established primarily to protect people`s property and assist law enforcement agencies in the prevention of crime.

He stated that there was never a satisfactory explanation on where the guards were when some of these crimes were taking place and he demanded the registration of database and screening of employees.

Mr Kgathi highlighted that they should come up with a crime prevention master plan and engage the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Lands and Housing and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

He said they should consult about the provision of security as a standard that should be complied with when constructing shopping malls. Furthermore, he said his office had been receiving quite a significant number of complaints from employees of private companies about no-payment of wages and terminal benefits by the employers.

He noted that the only option left for his ministry in this situation was for punitive action to be taken against such companies, even termination of their licences. Minister Kgathi said they have observed that some of the companies have no permanent business locations, adding that this was a clear violation of control of Private Security Guards Services Act.

He however advised security companies that where employees are hired on long or short term basis, such should be spelt out in a contract that specifies duration of employment and remuneration thereof. The minister said it was their hope that by the time they convened another Pitso, the Private Security Companies Regulatory Authority Bill, 2014 would had been passed and enacted into law.

Meanwhile, Minister Kgathi said there are 3800 security companies registered with the ministry while 238 are waiting to be registered. Of the registered companies, they have since terminated 1029 licenses, mostly for failure to renew licences and non-compliance with the provisions of the laws regulating private security companies.

In his welcoming remarks, the controller of Security Guards Services Mr Augustine Makgonatsotlhe said the Pitso was meant for them to interact with different security companies and exchange ideas as the sector has a critical role in the national development agenda as well as being in the line with the Vision 2016 pillar goal of prosperity for all.

Mr Makgonatsotlhe said the forum was an important platform to discuss some issues and challenges encountered by private security companies and offer solutions. He said government would continue to support security systems through the provision of legislation and make sure the business sector thrives.

For his part, the Security Association of Botswana chairperson Mr Nyalalani Majingo raised a concern of lack of members joining the association and pleaded for collaboration so that they speak with one voice.
He decried tendering procedures and delays at councils. ENDS