Cabinet greenlights Private Investigators and Security Guards Bill

Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter

THE Government has considered and approved principles of the Private Investigators and Security Guards (Control) Bill aimed at contributing to public protection through the setting and improving of standards in the private security industry and promoting compliance.

The amendments which will also enhance public confidence in the country’s private security services have been necessitated by the exponential growth of the security sector and technological advancements.

This was revealed by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere during a post cabinet briefing on Tuesday.

“The Principles of the Private Investigators and Security Guards (Control) provide for the appointment of the Zimbabwe Private Security Regulatory Authority Board whose tenure of office, conditions of service as well as dismissal and other facets of the corporate governance shall be in line with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31].

“The Principles further provide for the setting up of the Office of the Controller, who shall be appointed on the basis of her/his expertise, which among other competencies, will be a public security background,” said Dr Muswere.

More specifically, Dr Muswere said the primary duty of the Authority is to ensure that players in the private security industry comply with governing legislation, and set standards and codes of conduct through licensing, training, monitoring and inspections.

“The Authority will be mandated to ensure that security guards and persons holding management positions in private security have the requisite training and credentials. Additionally, the Authority will monitor and enforce adherence to the law, investigate grievances, and penalize persons who violate the Act, and the code of conduct.

“Furthermore, the amendment seeks to incorporate the licensing of persons or companies selling, or providing services defined as security services such as locksmith, CCTV installers, among others. It also introduces new regulation criteria for private investigators by amending section 7 of the Act, which provides for the licensing of the private investigators,” said Dr Muswere.

He said the amendment gives the licensed investigators the power to employ without limit other private investigators and consulting or getting the approval of the regulator while the private investigators licence will only be granted by the authority when an applicant has successfully undergone thorough background checks, completed training, and achieved a Government-recognised qualification.

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