The firearms were confiscated by the police and stored for the past six years. In April, over 30 000 guns were destroyed. It is estimated that there are more than one million illegal guns in South Africa.
The confiscated guns have been identified and removed as they have been used to commit serious and violent crimes.
Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale and National Police Commissioner Khehla Sithole were there to oversee the process.
Authorities say illegal firearms pose a threat to the safety and security of the country, and that it is important to root out illegal firearms so they don’t make their way back to the black market.
“They have today destroyed about 23 055 firearms that were either confiscated by or surrendered to the state,” police spokesperson Brenda Muridili said.
“The proliferation of illegal firearms has therefore been dealt a decisive blow as half the destroyed firearms were confiscated by police during intelligence operations, routine stop and searches as well as tip off.”
Earlier in the year, at least 30 000 other illegal firearms were destroyed.
“Melting these firearms therefore ensures that they will never find their way back in circulation.
