/ 13 July 2021

Private security companies the ‘eyes and ears’ for police on public violence and looting

Safrica Politics Unrest
Private armed security officers take position during a joint operation with undercover and uniformed South Africa Police Service (SAPS) members in Jeppestown, Johannesburg, on July 12, 2021 during clashes with residents of the Wolhuter Men's Hostel. - President Cyril Ramaphosa on July 12 said the deadly unrest gripping the country is unprecedented in post-apartheid South Africa as he deployed troops to help police crush the violence and looting sparked by the jailing of ex-president Jacob Zuma. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)

The private security guards were also first responders in some cases, and their helicopters provided information on emerging hotspots

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