Randburg Home Affairs security guard removed after threatening citizens with pepper spray
Randburg Home Affairs security guard removed after threatening citizens with pepper spray! A security guard at the Randburg Home Affairs office has been removed from duty after being caught on video threatening citizens with pepper spray. The incident, which took place as frustrated individuals attempted to collect their IDs, has sparked public outrage and led to swift intervention from the Department of Home Affairs.
Minister Acts Swiftly After Video Surfaces
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to address the situation.
“I was appalled upon receiving this video at 10:50 on February 27. An investigation was launched immediately, and by 17:00, the individual in question was removed. On behalf of #TeamHomeAffairs, I apologise to all clients affected.”
The minister’s quick response has been met with both relief and renewed calls for improved service delivery at Home Affairs offices nationwide.
Randburg Home Affairs security guard
Security Company Held Accountable
Siya Qoza, spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs, confirmed that the security guard in question was not an employee of the department but worked for a contracted security company.
“After seeing the recorded incident, where he threatened clients with pepper spray, he was removed,” Qoza stated.
He further emphasised that such behaviour goes against the department’s values of dignity and respectful service delivery.
“This behaviour violates Home Affairs’ commitment to culture change and delivering dignity and will not be tolerated.”
In response to the incident, the department is now taking additional steps to hold the security company accountable. This includes re-evaluating its contracts and ensuring that security personnel at Home Affairs offices are properly trained to handle public interactions.
New Oversight Measures Implemented
To restore order and ensure better customer service, the Gauteng provincial manager has been assigned to personally oversee operations at the Randburg Home Affairs office.
This move aims to stabilise the office, improve efficiency, and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
IT Issues Add to Frustration
Beyond the security incident, Minister Schreiber acknowledged that IT system failures remain a significant challenge at Home Affairs offices nationwide.
He pointed out that frequent system downtimes contribute to long queues, delays, and frustration among citizens who require essential government services.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digital transformation, which aims to modernise Home Affairs services, reduce waiting times, and ensure a smoother customer experience.
Public Calls for Improved Service Delivery
This latest incident has reignited public concerns over poor service delivery at Home Affairs offices, with many citizens sharing their own experiences of long queues, inefficient service, and security issues.
Many social media users have called for:
✅ More efficient digital systems to reduce waiting times
✅ Better training for Home Affairs staff and security personnel
✅ Stronger oversight to prevent incidents of mistreatment
Home Affairs Pledges Improvements
The Department of Home Affairs has assured the public that it is actively working on enhancing its services and preventing similar incidents from happening again.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and respectful treatment of all clients.
Minister Schreiber’s decisive action has been seen as a step in the right direction, but South Africans will be watching closely to see whether real, long-term improvements follow.
