GITNUXREPORT 2026

South Africa Security Industry Statistics

South Africa's large private security industry grows due to high crime rates.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

South Africa's murder rate stood at 45.53 per 100,000 people in 2022/23, driving demand for private security services.

Statistic 2

Robbery with aggravating circumstances cases totaled 142,285 in 2022/23, a key factor boosting security hires.

Statistic 3

House robberies increased by 6.2% to 22,459 incidents in 2022/23.

Statistic 4

Car hijackings numbered 23,568 in 2022/23, highest in Gauteng at 12,000+.

Statistic 5

Common robbery cases hit 138,000 in 2022/23, fueling urban security demand.

Statistic 6

Sexual offences reported: 42,777 in 2022/23, increasing VIP protection needs.

Statistic 7

Business robberies: 24,216 cases in 2022/23, up 4%.

Statistic 8

Truck hijackings: 450 incidents monthly average in 2023.

Statistic 9

Cash-in-transit heists: 36 in Q1 2024, down 20% from prior year.

Statistic 10

Farm attacks: 312 murders in 2022/23 agricultural sector.

Statistic 11

Kidnapping cases: 15,343 reported in 2022/23.

Statistic 12

Illegal mining-related crimes: 7,200 arrests in 2023.

Statistic 13

Assault with intent to grievous bodily harm: 518,000 cases in 2022/23.

Statistic 14

Burglary at residential premises: 1,200 daily average in 2023.

Statistic 15

Drug-related crimes: 250,000 cases impacting security ops.

Statistic 16

Theft of motor vehicles: 47,000 in 2022/23.

Statistic 17

Stock theft: 32,000 cases in rural areas 2022/23.

Statistic 18

Corruption cases in security: 450 arrests in 2023.

Statistic 19

Illegal firearms recovered: 8,000 in security ops 2023.

Statistic 20

The private security sector in South Africa employs over 580,000 active security officers as of end-2023, surpassing the combined size of the South African Police Service and Army.

Statistic 21

There are approximately 2.5 million people employed in the broader security services ecosystem, including guards and support staff, in 2024.

Statistic 22

Average monthly salary for a Grade E security guard is R5,200 as of 2024.

Statistic 23

45% of security personnel are women, up from 40% in 2020.

Statistic 24

Training academies certified 150,000 new guards under PSIRA in 2023.

Statistic 25

Youth employment in security reached 35% of total workforce in 2023.

Statistic 26

Security officer attrition rate averages 25% annually due to low pay.

Statistic 27

PSIRA Grade D officers: 320,000 active in 2024.

Statistic 28

Female supervisors in security: 12% of management roles in 2023.

Statistic 29

Unemployed security-trained youth: 100,000 registered with PSIRA.

Statistic 30

Average hours worked by guards: 56 per week in 2023 survey.

Statistic 31

Skills development levy contributions: R500 million from industry in 2023.

Statistic 32

Contract security jobs: 400,000 positions filled in 2023.

Statistic 33

Union membership in security: 65% of guards unionized.

Statistic 34

PSIRA Grade A PSIRA: 45,000 officers in high-risk roles.

Statistic 35

Overtime pay disputes resolved: 12,000 cases in 2023.

Statistic 36

Security apprenticeships: 25,000 enrolled in 2023.

Statistic 37

Black security officers: 92% of total workforce.

Statistic 38

Injury rate among guards: 4.2% annually.

Statistic 39

In 2022, the South African private security industry generated annual revenues of approximately R100 billion (about $5.8 billion USD), making it one of the largest in the world.

Statistic 40

The market size of the South African electronic security systems sector was valued at R25.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 41

Projected CAGR for South Africa's security services market is 7.2% from 2024 to 2029.

Statistic 42

Total private security expenditure reached R45 billion on manned guarding in 2023.

Statistic 43

Security industry contributed 2.1% to South Africa's GDP in 2022.

Statistic 44

Manned security market valued at R70 billion in 2024 forecasts.

Statistic 45

Overall security market projected to reach R120 billion by 2027.

Statistic 46

Foreign investment in SA security tech startups: $200 million in 2023.

Statistic 47

Electronic security market share: 30% of total industry in 2023.

Statistic 48

Security services exports from SA: R2.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 49

Gauteng province holds 55% of national security market revenue.

Statistic 50

National security spend per capita: R1,650 annually in 2023.

Statistic 51

Western Cape security firms: 850 registered, 15% market share.

Statistic 52

KZN province CIT heists: 120 in 2023, highest regionally.

Statistic 53

Mpumalanga security market growth: 9.5% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 54

Limpopo armed response firms: 320 active in 2023.

Statistic 55

Eastern Cape market penetration: 8% of national total.

Statistic 56

North West province revenues: R4.2 billion from security.

Statistic 57

Free State security contracts: 15,000 active in 2024.

Statistic 58

PSIRA registered 5,639 security companies in operation as of March 2024.

Statistic 59

85% of PSIRA-registered security businesses complied with minimum wage regulations in the 2023 audit.

Statistic 60

PSIRA issued 1,247,000 active security officer licences in Q1 2024.

Statistic 61

2,300 security companies were non-compliant with PSIRA training standards in 2023.

Statistic 62

PSIRA fined R150 million in penalties for violations in 2023.

Statistic 63

95% of security firms renewed PSIRA licences on time in 2024 Q1.

Statistic 64

PSIRA accredited 450 new training centres in 2023.

Statistic 65

Blacklisting of 1,200 non-compliant companies by PSIRA in 2023.

Statistic 66

PSIRA verification checks: 2.5 million conducted in 2023.

Statistic 67

Mandatory vetting for officers: 90% compliance rate in 2023.

Statistic 68

PSIRA board approved 200 new regulations in 2023.

Statistic 69

Audit pass rate for PSIRA inspections: 72% in urban areas.

Statistic 70

PSIRA app downloads for verification: 500,000 in 2023.

Statistic 71

Foreign nationals PSIRA licences: 8% of total in 2024.

Statistic 72

Compliance training hours mandated: 40 per officer annually.

Statistic 73

PSIRA deregistrations: 900 companies in 2023 for violations.

Statistic 74

PSIRA online portal registrations: 1 million users.

Statistic 75

Firearm licences for guards: 180,000 active PSIRA.

Statistic 76

PSIRA minimum standards updated 12 times in 2023.

Statistic 77

Adoption of AI-powered surveillance cameras in South African security firms increased by 35% between 2021 and 2023.

Statistic 78

Drone usage for perimeter security in commercial sites rose to 28% penetration in 2024.

Statistic 79

Biometric access control systems market grew 22% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 80

Cybersecurity services within physical security firms expanded by 41% in 2023.

Statistic 81

IoT-enabled alarm systems installations surged 50% in residential areas in 2024.

Statistic 82

Predictive analytics software adoption in security ops hit 15% in 2023.

Statistic 83

Facial recognition tech deployed in 20% of major shopping malls by 2024.

Statistic 84

Cloud-based monitoring platforms used by 40% of firms in 2024.

Statistic 85

Robotics for patrols trialed in 5% of large estates in 2024.

Statistic 86

VR training simulations adopted by 18% of academies in 2024.

Statistic 87

Blockchain for guard verification piloted in 10 companies.

Statistic 88

5G-enabled CCTV rollout: 25% faster response times in tests.

Statistic 89

Thermal imaging cameras sales up 60% post-COVID.

Statistic 90

Autonomous patrol robots cost reduced by 30% in 2024.

Statistic 91

Edge AI computing in cameras: 12% adoption rate 2024.

Statistic 92

Quantum-safe encryption trials in security networks.

Statistic 93

Holographic training modules tested in 3 academies.

Statistic 94

Metaverse security simulations for 2% of firms.

Statistic 95

Swarm drone tech for crowd control in trials.

1/95

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

While the SAPS and army combined employ fewer officers, South Africa's private security industry now employs over 580,000 active personnel and generates R100 billion in annual revenue, a colossal shadow army born from a murder rate of 45.53 per 100,000 people and a relentless tide of crime.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the South African private security industry generated annual revenues of approximately R100 billion (about $5.8 billion USD), making it one of the largest in the world.
The market size of the South African electronic security systems sector was valued at R25.4 billion in 2023.
Projected CAGR for South Africa's security services market is 7.2% from 2024 to 2029.
The private security sector in South Africa employs over 580,000 active security officers as of end-2023, surpassing the combined size of the South African Police Service and Army.
There are approximately 2.5 million people employed in the broader security services ecosystem, including guards and support staff, in 2024.
Average monthly salary for a Grade E security guard is R5,200 as of 2024.
South Africa's murder rate stood at 45.53 per 100,000 people in 2022/23, driving demand for private security services.
Robbery with aggravating circumstances cases totaled 142,285 in 2022/23, a key factor boosting security hires.
House robberies increased by 6.2% to 22,459 incidents in 2022/23.
PSIRA registered 5,639 security companies in operation as of March 2024.
85% of PSIRA-registered security businesses complied with minimum wage regulations in the 2023 audit.
PSIRA issued 1,247,000 active security officer licences in Q1 2024.
Adoption of AI-powered surveillance cameras in South African security firms increased by 35% between 2021 and 2023.
Drone usage for perimeter security in commercial sites rose to 28% penetration in 2024.
Biometric access control systems market grew 22% YoY in 2023.

South Africa's large private security industry grows due to high crime rates.

Crime and Security Threats

South Africa's murder rate stood at 45.53 per 100,000 people in 2022/23, driving demand for private security services.
Robbery with aggravating circumstances cases totaled 142,285 in 2022/23, a key factor boosting security hires.
House robberies increased by 6.2% to 22,459 incidents in 2022/23.
Car hijackings numbered 23,568 in 2022/23, highest in Gauteng at 12,000+.
Common robbery cases hit 138,000 in 2022/23, fueling urban security demand.
Sexual offences reported: 42,777 in 2022/23, increasing VIP protection needs.
Business robberies: 24,216 cases in 2022/23, up 4%.
Truck hijackings: 450 incidents monthly average in 2023.
Cash-in-transit heists: 36 in Q1 2024, down 20% from prior year.
Farm attacks: 312 murders in 2022/23 agricultural sector.
Kidnapping cases: 15,343 reported in 2022/23.
Illegal mining-related crimes: 7,200 arrests in 2023.
Assault with intent to grievous bodily harm: 518,000 cases in 2022/23.
Burglary at residential premises: 1,200 daily average in 2023.
Drug-related crimes: 250,000 cases impacting security ops.
Theft of motor vehicles: 47,000 in 2022/23.
Stock theft: 32,000 cases in rural areas 2022/23.
Corruption cases in security: 450 arrests in 2023.
Illegal firearms recovered: 8,000 in security ops 2023.

Crime and Security Threats Interpretation

With each of the over 1,200 daily residential burglaries, the private security industry finds its grim but booming raison d'être in a nation where public safety has tragically become a luxury.

Employment Statistics

The private security sector in South Africa employs over 580,000 active security officers as of end-2023, surpassing the combined size of the South African Police Service and Army.
There are approximately 2.5 million people employed in the broader security services ecosystem, including guards and support staff, in 2024.
Average monthly salary for a Grade E security guard is R5,200 as of 2024.
45% of security personnel are women, up from 40% in 2020.
Training academies certified 150,000 new guards under PSIRA in 2023.
Youth employment in security reached 35% of total workforce in 2023.
Security officer attrition rate averages 25% annually due to low pay.
PSIRA Grade D officers: 320,000 active in 2024.
Female supervisors in security: 12% of management roles in 2023.
Unemployed security-trained youth: 100,000 registered with PSIRA.
Average hours worked by guards: 56 per week in 2023 survey.
Skills development levy contributions: R500 million from industry in 2023.
Contract security jobs: 400,000 positions filled in 2023.
Union membership in security: 65% of guards unionized.
PSIRA Grade A PSIRA: 45,000 officers in high-risk roles.
Overtime pay disputes resolved: 12,000 cases in 2023.
Security apprenticeships: 25,000 enrolled in 2023.
Black security officers: 92% of total workforce.
Injury rate among guards: 4.2% annually.

Employment Statistics Interpretation

In a stunning inversion of public trust, South Africa now employs a vast, underpaid, and rapidly revolving private army twice the size of its official forces, creating a precarious peace held together by sheer numbers and desperation.

Industry Overview and Market Size

In 2022, the South African private security industry generated annual revenues of approximately R100 billion (about $5.8 billion USD), making it one of the largest in the world.
The market size of the South African electronic security systems sector was valued at R25.4 billion in 2023.
Projected CAGR for South Africa's security services market is 7.2% from 2024 to 2029.
Total private security expenditure reached R45 billion on manned guarding in 2023.
Security industry contributed 2.1% to South Africa's GDP in 2022.
Manned security market valued at R70 billion in 2024 forecasts.
Overall security market projected to reach R120 billion by 2027.
Foreign investment in SA security tech startups: $200 million in 2023.
Electronic security market share: 30% of total industry in 2023.
Security services exports from SA: R2.5 billion in 2023.
Gauteng province holds 55% of national security market revenue.
National security spend per capita: R1,650 annually in 2023.
Western Cape security firms: 850 registered, 15% market share.
KZN province CIT heists: 120 in 2023, highest regionally.
Mpumalanga security market growth: 9.5% YoY in 2023.
Limpopo armed response firms: 320 active in 2023.
Eastern Cape market penetration: 8% of national total.
North West province revenues: R4.2 billion from security.
Free State security contracts: 15,000 active in 2024.

Industry Overview and Market Size Interpretation

South Africa's booming security industry, now a R100 billion cornerstone of the national economy, paints a sobering portrait of a nation investing heavily in the private protection its citizens clearly feel the state cannot provide.

Regulatory and Legal Framework

PSIRA registered 5,639 security companies in operation as of March 2024.
85% of PSIRA-registered security businesses complied with minimum wage regulations in the 2023 audit.
PSIRA issued 1,247,000 active security officer licences in Q1 2024.
2,300 security companies were non-compliant with PSIRA training standards in 2023.
PSIRA fined R150 million in penalties for violations in 2023.
95% of security firms renewed PSIRA licences on time in 2024 Q1.
PSIRA accredited 450 new training centres in 2023.
Blacklisting of 1,200 non-compliant companies by PSIRA in 2023.
PSIRA verification checks: 2.5 million conducted in 2023.
Mandatory vetting for officers: 90% compliance rate in 2023.
PSIRA board approved 200 new regulations in 2023.
Audit pass rate for PSIRA inspections: 72% in urban areas.
PSIRA app downloads for verification: 500,000 in 2023.
Foreign nationals PSIRA licences: 8% of total in 2024.
Compliance training hours mandated: 40 per officer annually.
PSIRA deregistrations: 900 companies in 2023 for violations.
PSIRA online portal registrations: 1 million users.
Firearm licences for guards: 180,000 active PSIRA.
PSIRA minimum standards updated 12 times in 2023.

Regulatory and Legal Framework Interpretation

While the industry's backbone is impressively strong, with millions of officers and high renewal rates, the persistent shadow of non-compliance—from training lapses to hefty fines—reveals a sector still wrestling to fully professionalize under PSIRA's increasingly rigorous, and active, watch.

Technology and Innovation

Adoption of AI-powered surveillance cameras in South African security firms increased by 35% between 2021 and 2023.
Drone usage for perimeter security in commercial sites rose to 28% penetration in 2024.
Biometric access control systems market grew 22% YoY in 2023.
Cybersecurity services within physical security firms expanded by 41% in 2023.
IoT-enabled alarm systems installations surged 50% in residential areas in 2024.
Predictive analytics software adoption in security ops hit 15% in 2023.
Facial recognition tech deployed in 20% of major shopping malls by 2024.
Cloud-based monitoring platforms used by 40% of firms in 2024.
Robotics for patrols trialed in 5% of large estates in 2024.
VR training simulations adopted by 18% of academies in 2024.
Blockchain for guard verification piloted in 10 companies.
5G-enabled CCTV rollout: 25% faster response times in tests.
Thermal imaging cameras sales up 60% post-COVID.
Autonomous patrol robots cost reduced by 30% in 2024.
Edge AI computing in cameras: 12% adoption rate 2024.
Quantum-safe encryption trials in security networks.
Holographic training modules tested in 3 academies.
Metaverse security simulations for 2% of firms.
Swarm drone tech for crowd control in trials.

Technology and Innovation Interpretation

While South Africa's security industry is getting a high-tech facelift—with eyes in the sky, lasers at the door, and algorithms predicting trouble—it seems we're building a future where the only thing more watched than the perimeter is the quarterly IT budget.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev