At Alwinco, we provide independent security risk assessments that identify and address the specific security risks of each property. Recently, we conducted an assessment of a residential complex in Nelspruit and uncovered several security risks that were not immediately apparent. If you would like to learn more about our assessments or have specific topics you would like us to address, please email your suggestions to andre@alwinco.co.za. We will create and publish articles tailored to your interests on our website.
Can You Prove Your Evidence Wasn’t Tampered With?
Security risk assessment evidence—Picture this:A criminal walks free, not because they’re innocent, but because the evidence was deemed unreliable. Sounds frustrating, doesn’t it? Yet, this happens all too often in South Africa. Evidence is lost, paperwork is incomplete, and the chain of custody is riddled with gaps. Suddenly, the burden of proof shifts, not to the police, but to you.
Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, estate manager, or CEO, this reality demands one critical question: Can you prove that your evidence hasn’t been tampered with?
And no, your word alone isn’t enough.
Why Police and Forensic Gaps Are Your Problem
Today, police forces in South Africa face an undeniable gap in forensic skills and procedural expertise. This means evidence that should be airtight often crumbles under courtroom scrutiny. Missing documents, unclear custody records, and unreliable handling are becoming a norm—and it’s costing us justice.
This leaves businesses and individuals with no choice but to step up. You can no longer rely on the police or the legal system to handle the burden for you. Your security system and processes must be ready to hold their own in any courtroom, whether it’s criminal, civil, or labor-related.
The solution? A Master Copy.
This document, often undervalued, is the key to proving the integrity of your evidence. Without it, even the most robust security systems can fall short when challenged in court.
The Price of Assumptions
For years, the assumption was simple: the police would handle everything. From evidence collection to documentation, they’d ensure criminals faced the consequences. But let’s face it, that’s no longer the reality. How many cases have crumbled because of sloppy paperwork or a lack of proper procedures? The exact number doesn’t matter. What matters is that it happens, and it’s happening too often. The purpose of a security system isn’t just to deter crime. It’s to ensure that, when push comes to shove, it can provide undeniable, tamper-proof evidence in court.
Two Types of Clients, One Common Truth
When it comes to security risk assessments, clients fall into two main categories.
The first? The proactive ones. These clients sense something’s off with their security setup. They value expert insight and want to improve before disaster strikes.
Then, there’s the reactive group. These are the clients who delay action, fully aware that their security has gaps but unwilling to address them until something bad happens. Ironically, these clients often demand a quick solution after the event has occurred. They needed the assessment yesterday but only acted today.
A System That Stands Up in Court
Ultimately, the effectiveness of your security system isn’t measured by how intimidating it looks or the cost of its components. It’s judged by one simple test: Can it hold up in court?
If your evidence isn’t documented, preserved, and ready to withstand scrutiny, your system isn’t truly secure.
Article written by Andre Mundell. # Security risk assessment evidence.
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Written by Andre Mundell Independent security risk advisor. Our security risk assessment projects are focused on the Gauteng Region, which includes Annlin, Bryanston, Midrand, and Sandton. Additionally, we cover Bloemfontein, Pietersburg, and Cradock.