A security guard at the Randburg Home Affairs office has been removed after being caught on video threatening citizens with pepper spray. The incident, which occurred as people attempted to collect their IDs, sparked outrage and prompted immediate action from the Department of Home Affairs.
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Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber addressed the matter on X, stating: “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.”
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Siya Qoza, spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs, confirmed that the security guard was not an employee of the department but worked for a contracted company.
“After seeing the recorded incident, where he threatened clients with pepper spray, he was removed,” Qoza said. “This behaviour violates Home Affairs’ commitment to culture change and delivering dignity and will not be tolerated.”
The department is now taking further steps to hold the security company accountable. Additionally, the Gauteng provincial manager has been assigned to personally oversee the Randburg office to stabilise operations.
The minister also pointed out that IT issues remain a significant challenge at the Home Affairs offices, contributing to delays and frustration among clients. He reaffirmed the need for digital transformation to improve service delivery and reduce long queues.
Home Affairs has assured the public that it is working to improve its services and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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