Can private security companies check for fishing permits?

Updated Feb. 28, 2025, 8:03 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

A video of a private security company checking for fishing permits is making the rounds on TikTok, sparking outrage among locals. Are they legally allowed to do this?

A TikTok video recently went viral showing a private security company at Umhlanga Beach demanding fishing permits from beachgoers.

The video, posted by @audio_simplicity, sparked debate about whether private security has the authority to enforce fishing regulations.

@audio_simplicity #SAMA28 #fourpage #fypviral #for #fouryou #southafrica #foru #videoviral #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #videos #four #viralvid #foryoupage #fyp #fypツ #fypp #fypdongggggggg ♬ original sound - Audio_Simplicity2.0 #Maydiirs

To set the record straight, East Coast Breakfast spoke to Vinesh Soogreem and the answer is clear: no, private security companies do not have the authority to check for fishing permits.

The only time private security can enforce such regulations is if they are specifically contracted by an organisation to oversee that area. Even then, their role is limited to what their contract allows.

So, who can check your fishing permit? Only official law enforcement agencies, such as the SAPS and Metro Police, have the legal authority to request it.