SEP1501
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, SECTION A
Question 1
Circumstances under which a security official can invoke private defense
Private defense refers to the lawful act of protecting oneself, another person, or property
against an unlawful attack. In the South African legal context, a security official may
invoke private defense when the following circumstances are present:
1. An unlawful attack – The threat or attack must be unlawful, meaning the
aggressor has no legal justification for their actions.
2. Imminence – The attack must be imminent or already occurring; anticipated
future threats do not qualify.
3. Proportionality – The defensive action taken must be proportional to the threat
faced. Excessive force is not justified.
4. Necessity – The defensive action must be necessary to avert the attack, and no
other reasonable alternatives should be available (Burchell, 2016).
Example:
If an armed intruder attempts to stab a security guard during a cash-in-transit heist, the
guard may use proportionate force, such as discharging a firearm, to prevent loss of life.
However, shooting an unarmed suspect who is fleeing the scene would not constitute
lawful private defense.
Question 2
Elements of access control
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, SECTION A
Question 1
Circumstances under which a security official can invoke private defense
Private defense refers to the lawful act of protecting oneself, another person, or property
against an unlawful attack. In the South African legal context, a security official may
invoke private defense when the following circumstances are present:
1. An unlawful attack – The threat or attack must be unlawful, meaning the
aggressor has no legal justification for their actions.
2. Imminence – The attack must be imminent or already occurring; anticipated
future threats do not qualify.
3. Proportionality – The defensive action taken must be proportional to the threat
faced. Excessive force is not justified.
4. Necessity – The defensive action must be necessary to avert the attack, and no
other reasonable alternatives should be available (Burchell, 2016).
Example:
If an armed intruder attempts to stab a security guard during a cash-in-transit heist, the
guard may use proportionate force, such as discharging a firearm, to prevent loss of life.
However, shooting an unarmed suspect who is fleeing the scene would not constitute
lawful private defense.
Question 2
Elements of access control
