Documentary Explores Private-Security Forces in Johannesburg

Tuva Björk’s short documentary examines the role of private-security officers in Johannesburg. The film begins with a private-security officer detailing the weapons he carries, including a metal bar, a knuckle-duster, and a firearm. Private-security work is significant in Johannesburg, where nearly three million of South Africa's sixty-three million residents are employed in this sector. The documentary follows various officers as they patrol residential areas and public spaces. One officer mentions that residents can enjoy conversations in a safe place on a ridge, while the film also depicts an encounter between security guards and locals who come to pray around a fire. This interaction raises questions about perceptions of security and who feels safe in these environments.