Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

4-minute read
17 July 2024 | 15:20 CAT

SAPS destroyed nearly 15,000 firearms and firearms parts in Vanderbijlpark this week. (Image/News24)

Over the past five years, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken a significant step in addressing the proliferation of firearms, destroying a staggering 260,000 firearms.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the SAPS remains relentless in its efforts to detect and permanently remove illegal firearms and ammunition in circulation.

This week, 14 595 firearms and firearm parts were destroyed during a destruction process in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, including 11 421 handguns, 1 708 rifles, 1 205 shotguns and 28 combination firearms.

“These firearms, firearm parts and ammunition were seized during policing operations such as Operation Shanela, and subsequently forfeited to the state,” Mathe said.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Adele Kristen of Gun Free South Africa highlighted the significant impact of firearm destruction on public safety. She noted that each weapon recovered and destroyed represents a step towards a safer society, as it prevents these firearms from falling into the hands of criminals.

While the destruction of over 260,000 firearms is a significant achievement, It also underscores the scale of the problem. The SAPS must continue its relentless efforts to recover guns, as the extent of the issue demands ongoing attention.

Kristen of Gun Free South Africa emphasized the need for improved control and audit processes in firearms management. She pointed out that a comprehensive audit process, from the moment a firearm enters the Armory to its destruction, could help prevent incidents like the Prinsloo guns.

“As far as we are aware, that audit does not happen which is one of the weaknesses in the chain of control which contributed to this phenomenon known as the Prinsloo guns,” she explains.

The Prinsloo Guns include over 2,000 guns that were stolen from police stores by a senior police officer, Colonel Christiaan Prinsloo, and distributed to criminals between 2007 and 2015.

According to Kristen, there are three main sources of guns moving from the law into the illicit market.

“Illegal guns are mostly used in crime, and that makes sense as the criminal doesn’t want the gun traced back to them, after which the gun gets passed on to other criminals,” she says.

“Gun Free really supports and welcomes the move of the government in destroying guns, as required to do in the international protocol and publicly, which our government has been good at doing,” Kristen added.

Listen here to the full interview On The Daily Round Up with Moulana Shuaib Lasanya and Adelle Kristen.