Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Vusi Shongwe has called on the private security companies to assist government to bring hope to business people in order to invest in the province.
According to Shongwe, bringing hope can be done by eradicating crime, which will also enhance tourism and also bring stability among communities, saying that security companies' responsibility is not only to make money but to assist the people of the province.
Shongwe was speaking at the quarterly meeting between the department and the security companies contracted to safeguard government property.
He said the security companies were in the forefront in fighting crime; therefore they needed to partner with government as stakeholders.
The MEC said the role of the private security industry in the fight against crime was very crucial because they were regarded as the first line of defense for the people.
Shongwe has however called on the companies to do their work with much diligence in carrying out their duties as there has several incidences of theft at various government buildings.
"I was embarrassed recently when I had to account to the Legislature about theft in government buildings, and also humiliated that when the suspects were arrested, some of them were security guards deployed to safeguard the buildings," said Shongwe.
He said they should not collude with criminals because they were trusted by government on behalf of the people to safeguard public property, its resources and to fight crime and corruption.
I am therefore appealing to you not to allow a handful of criminals within the industry to bring the reputation of private security companies down.
"With that in mind, those within the private security industry who are involved in criminal activities must expect no mercy from the police. They will be arrested," warned the MEC.
He said companies have a responsibility to protect, secure and guard government property and assets.
The MEC has also appealed to companies to take extra ordinary steps to improve security in government offices during the festive season in order to prevent break-in incidences.
The purpose of the quarterly meetings is to enable the department to interact with security service providers and other stakeholders to reflect on the developments in the industry that affect their operations.