Tana Malinga
Top leaders from the Tshwane Metro Police, Fire and Rescue, SANParks, Bidvest Protea Coin and several private security companies have signed a major new agreement called Operation Night Watch. The goal is clear: boost safety during the high-risk hours of 6pm to 6am.
By working together and investing in better equipment, training and teamwork, these groups aim to tackle night time crime head on, from break-ins in cities to poaching in national parks.
The declaration was signed at a security indaba held at Zwartkop Country Club in Centurion. The event, hosted by tactical lighting supplier Nextorch Africa, featured strong presentations from key industry voices, including Samuel Madalane of SANParks Rangers, Roelof Schoeman of Bidvest Protea Coin, Thys Klein of Genesis K9 Group, and Nextorch Africa director Werner van der Westhuizen.
Van der Westhuizen says the collaboration is about strengthening protection for citizens, security guards, officers and national assets. He adds that Operation Night Watch will keep communication open across law enforcement, emergency services and private security so they can move as one team.
Stats SA reports an estimated 1.5 million housebreakings in 2024/25, affecting 1.1 million households. With more than 2.7 million registered private security officers, South Africa has the largest private security industry in the world, making these companies vital partners to SAPS.
Van der Westhuizen says private security’s close connection to communities gives them valuable insight into high-risk hotspots and citizen behaviour. By signing a formal cooperation agreement, these sectors can now share information faster and respond more effectively.
Representatives from 25 security companies attended the launch, including ProShield, SDS Security, Beagle Security and Monitornet. Nextorch Africa also supplied military grade tactical flashlights in support of the memorandum’s focus on improving operational standards and showcased live demonstrations of key lighting tools.
KEY COMMITMENTS UNDER OPERATION NIGHT WATCH
Maintain the highest ethical standards
Promote public awareness around safety
Strengthen partnerships between law enforcement, emergency services and private security
Work together on operations and training
Support innovation in tactical lighting, safety tools and best practices
Keep improving technology, operations and staff readiness
About Nextorch
Nextorch is the world’s largest tactical flashlight manufacturer – providing military-grade illumination tools and specialised security equipment to over 150 countries. Nextorch’s key clients include elite units like the US Military, SWAT, and police departments. In China, Nextorch holds the official supply contract for over 2.4-million police officers. Nextorch Africa is an official supplier to the Tshwane Metro Police, as well as over 100 private security companies across the country – including household brands like Fidelity ADT and Bidvest Protea Coin. The brand also provides sponsorships to the South African Police Service and Community Policing Forum groups, and anti-poaching units across the country. Nextorch products are built to military-grade standards and carry a replacement warranty of up to 10 years – highlighting the brand’s belief in the quality of their products. For more information, visit www.nextorch.co.za.
