Dear Editor,
It wasn’t surprising to look at the way the security guard’s gun was taken away during a robbery at Beterverwagting, but I surely hoped the perpetrators are quickly apprehended and the gun recovered before it gets used wrongfully.
Over the years, I did pen my concerns regarding the various security services appearing and just giving these young men high-powered guns. To obtain one as a security guard, you just have to apply to the security service and go to Eve Leary for two days of training to handle a firearm, and you’re given a paper allowing you to hold a firearm. If you’re an ex-Police or military person, you’re automatically eligible.
Many of these young men are not trained in self-defence, or in any way to defend themselves in hand-to-hand combat, or to protect the gun they’re carrying. The security services themselves are not encouraging or providing any training facilities for them. Added to that, especially at the Chinese Supermarket, security has to work from the time the store opens until it closes, which is between 12 and 15 hours, without relief or lunch hour, and that could cause mentally instability.
It is high time that security services provide their ranks with a gym/training area, and mandate that on one of their working days per week they are to exercise and train.
Editor, a few months ago, I communicated with a friend associated with the management of a security firm, and I expressed my concerns and observations. On Thursday night, hanging out with a close friend in front of a supermarket at Goed Fortuin, I again raised the issue, and my friend said he thought thieves would be scared to attack any security company. The very next day, we saw the video.
Government and officials need to look into the affairs of security officers, and what transpires throughout the day. Are they being paid enough? Are they being overworked? In most places you go, especially Chinese supermarkets, security personnel could be seen doing the work of labourers, fetching heavy objects/loads in/out of the supermarket, to and from vehicles; and during the process, the guns are slung on their backs or sides, which leaves them vulnerable.
Some could be seen measuring, weighting, and so on for customers. I guess their scope of duties varies, depending on where they work.
Sincerely,
Sahadeo Bates
