Johannesburg - The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) on Wednesday said it was investigating complaints regarding the conduct of the Red Ants Security Relocation and Eviction Services (Pty) Ltd.
In a statement, PSiRA said the complaints originate from various places, including Ivory Park, Tembisa, Midvaal, and Lenasia. In some instances, residents have died during violent evictions.
"The Authority has further intensified its investigations into these allegations in light of the recent incident that transpired today Tuesday 28th November 2017 at Vosloorus, East of Johannesburg," said the regulator.
"We have also received a complaint from a Non-Profit Organisation, Right to Know about the alleged ongoing misconduct of the Red Ants Security Relocation and Eviction Services."
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“The Authority condemns the alleged misconduct and we want to inform the public that we have launched an investigation on these matters and we will be further seeking legal advice on the best approach to address the outcome of our investigation."
PSiRA Director Manabela Chauke said: "We will therefore not allow any Code of Conduct violation that compromises public safety and the integrity of the private security industry at large”.
Chauke added: "At this stage we are requesting anyone who is currently in possession of evidence or information that will assist with the investigation (these include members of the media), to bring it to our attention in order for us to act on it accordingly".
PSiRA said criminal cases involving Red Ants Security Relocation and Eviction incidents were being investigated by the Law Enforcement Agencies, while the regulator was investigating the conduct of the company in terms of the Code of Conduct for the security service providers.
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The regulator said it was working with Law Enforcement agencies to ensure that any misconduct or violation of human rights in this regard by the alleged perpetrators/ security service provider are accounted for.
As the Regulator, our investigations into these complaints is to establish the facts and align them with the provisions of the PSIR Act, the Regulations and The Code of Conduct for Security Service Providers and for brevity sake to enquire,
Red Ants management could not immediately be reached for comment.