The Acting Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Edwin Batshu has expressed concern at the number of private security companies that are not complying with the laws of this country.
Speaking at a Pitso organized for private security companies today (28/07/11) in Gaborone Mr Batshu stated that since the beginning of last year to date government has recorded at least fifteen cases in which security guards colluded with criminals to commit certain offences. He added that 520 cases involving violation of labour laws by security companies were recorded during the same period. In addition, he said that 59 cases of hiring non-citizens including illegal immigrants were recorded during the period.
He further stated that such violations have resulted in 186 private security companies being delisted since last year. The Acting Minister called on the companies to clean up their act so that they ensure continued public and government trust.
He said that government is committed to supporting the private security sector as it is an important partner in crime detection and prevention. According to him the sector is also an integral player in the growth of the economy as evidenced by the 17 000 people currently employed in it.
In his remarks the Deputy Chairman of the Security Association of Botswana (SAB), Mr Ishmael Dipholo urged private security companies to join the association. He revealed that currently the SAB has less than hundred members despite the sector having about 1000 registered companies.
Mr Dipholo said that SAB exists to regulate the Sector to ensure its integrity and compliance with the law. He asked the government to make the Association a mandatory regulatory body for companies.
In their comments representatives of security companies pleaded with government to help in setting up a training institution for security guards. They said that this will help in enhancing service standards for the Sector.