Ensure Security Condemns Assault Of Homeless Man In Durban, Suspends Officers In Viral Video

Ensure Security Services has denounced the conduct of its officers seen in a video assaulting a man in Durban, calling the behaviour “completely unacceptable” and contrary to the company’s professional standards and core values.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the private security firm said it has zero tolerance for any conduct that compromises the safety, dignity or rights of the public. The company said it became aware of the incident earlier that day and immediately initiated a comprehensive internal investigation.

The Director of the Denis Hurley Centre confirmed that the incident occurred outside the Embassy Building in the Durban CBD before Christmas. According to the centre, the victim was last seen after being taken away in a vehicle by Ensure Security officers following the assault.

Durban assault video prompts immediate suspension and SAPS report

“All officers involved have been placed on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of the probe. The matter has also been formally reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), with Ensure Security pledging full cooperation with law enforcement authorities,” the company said.

Ensure Security stated that preliminary findings suggest the individual involved was not a defenceless homeless person, but a known criminal allegedly connected to a wider syndicate involved in vehicle parts and copper theft in the city.

“The suspect was reportedly already in the hands of members of the public when officers arrived. After being apprehended, he allegedly led the team to the buyer and head of the syndicate, who was also detained. Both individuals were handed over to SAPS for processing,” the company said.

Company criticises viral sharing of video amid ongoing investigation

The security firm also criticised what it described as the “rash and irresponsible” circulation of the video on social media, saying it had led to public judgement of the organisation based on the unauthorised actions of a small group of employees who acted without instruction or approval.

Ensure Security confirmed that the matter is now being managed by its legal team and said further updates will be shared as the investigation continues.

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While reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability, the company expressed disappointment that the Denis Hurley Centre shared the footage online before informing Ensure Security or allowing it time to investigate the incident internally.