By Delicious Mathuthu
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) says it has taken swift action against the security training company operating a military-style camp in Mpumalanga, serving notices of suspension to the company and its Directors.
The move comes after an investigation by the organisation and authorities revealed contraventions by the company, Milities Dei Security Services (MDSS), of immigration laws and unauthorized military training.
PSiRA Director, Manabela Chauke, speaking during a press conference on Wednesday (7/08/2024) said investigation found that the company provided military training without necessary authorization, agreements, and exemptions granted by the national regulator for conventional arms control.
The owners and Libyan trainees were found to have contravened immigration laws.
He said the suspension notice means the company cannot provide any security training and services until the investigation is concluded.
PSiRA is also considering charges and formal prosecution of the service providers and those involved.
In a recent statement, PSiRA said they have given MDSS up to August 16 right of reply to their notice of suspension.
“The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) held a Media briefing to update the public on the preliminary findings through our internal investigations. In the briefing we revealed that we have served Milities Dei Security Services (MDSS) with a notice of suspension in accordance with section 24 (1) (a) of the PSiR Act.
“To provide clarity on the ‘Notice of Suspension’. This notice is based on the intention to suspend the company’s registration pending the outcome of the code of conduct investigation of the Authority.
“The notice is served to the business and is given seven days right of reply based on the notice served.
“MDSS has been served with notice of suspension we provided them with the right of reply from today, 07 August 2024 until Friday 16 August 2024,” PSiRA said.
Meanwhile, the case against the 95 Libyans arrested at the camp was on Monday further postponed for three weeks, to the 26th of August 2024.
The 95 men who were detained on July 26, are still in custody and being charged for violating immigration rules and may face additional charges as investigations continue.
Their visas were cancelled after being found to have been irregularly acquired in Tunisia, based on misrepresentation.
However, following the postponement, the 95 staged a protest, demanding to be repatriated to Libya, with some attempting to resist going back to cells wanting to be released.
