It is illegal for a private investigator to intercept communication. This is the shared sentiment by industry members, following murder-accused Zane Kilian’s attorney saying his client is a registered private investigator.  

This comes as Kilian faces a charge of murder and illegal interception of communication of the late top Anti-Gang Unit detective Charl Kinnear. He was murdered outside his Bishop Lavis home last month. However, the Security Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA) says they have no records of Kilian being on their system.

Private investigator and founder of Royal Investigations John Alexander, says before an individual can declare themselves as such, a process needs to be followed:

“When studying to become a PI; the student needs to attend class, their grades sent to the Security Industry Regulatory Authority, fingerprints need to be taken, police clearance and only then will your PI license be issued to you,” says Alexander.

He adds that there is a common misconception around surveillance and that its illegal to intercept calls.

Kilian faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and the unlawful interception of communication.