Private security companies: A new source of law and order?
15 November 2023
It is the police service’s responsibility to prevent crime, uphold the law, deal with crime-related emergencies and provide support, and they play an important role in maintaining public order. And enforcing the law within their jurisdiction. The police service also exists to deter potential offenders by prosecuting offenders. Police officers have the power to enforce laws, investigate individuals and if necessary, arrest alleged criminals. But what happens when they fail in these responsibilities? The citizens of societies with governments that fulfil their responsibilities trust that the police will fulfil these roles with efficiency and integrity, but what happens when it is no longer the case?
Crime is on the increase on a daily basis, which undoubtedly indicates that criminals are no longer scared of the police – while most citizens live in fear because of corrupt police officers. A recent example is the blue light brigade that allegedly attacked motorists on the N1 highway. A further concern is the shortage of basic resources in the police service. It was recently reported that there is an imbalance between the number of police personnel and the large population they have to serve. These shortages and imbalance contribute to the challenges the police are confronted with.
Between 2019 and 2021 alone it was reported that 13 police stations in South Africa were robbed of firearms and ammunition by criminals. In 2018/19 three police stations were robbed, during which 18 firearms were stolen, including pistols, guns and shotguns; as well as 235 rounds of ammunition. Eventually eight weapons were recovered and ten individuals were arrested.
What is concerning is that none of those who were arrested have been prosecuted as of yet. Two criminal cases were heard in court, but one was later withdrawn. In 2020 two police stations were robbed and eight guns and 277 rounds of ammunition were stolen. The 2020/21 book year a further eight stations were robbed during which 52 guns and 470 rounds of ammunition were stolen – only nine weapons were recovered and only 4 people were arrested in 2021, but no one was prosecuted.