SHARPEVILLE – There has been a noticeable surge in the use of blank guns, also referred to as imitation guns, prompting concerns within the South African Police Services.
Major General Nkhensani Lemba, the Sedibeng District Cluster Commissioner, voiced this apprehension during an instalment of Operation Okae Molao held in Sharpeville on Thursday, February 1.
According to the Firearms Control Act, an imitation firearm is defined as anything resembling a firearm but incapable of operating and not easily identified as an imitation.
In a brief research overview, blank guns were described as replicas of well-known firearms such as the Beretta or Z88.
These guns feature blocked barrels and lack projectiles but mimic the sounds of actual firearms.
Major General Lemba reported an uptick in the possession and seizure of blank firearms during various police operations.
She urged the community and parents to refrain from purchasing imitation guns for their children.
Addressing the media during the operation, Lemba emphasised the associated risks, stating: “Whenever we conduct roadblocks, we find a lot of youngsters with those guns. They sound and look like a real gun. We discourage parents from buying those guns. Each time we find people with those guns, we take them and profile the owners to understand why they carry them [blank guns] around.”
The operation extended to the streets of Sharpeville as March 21 approached. Lemba underscored the importance of maintaining law enforcement in Sharpeville, noting: “We chose Sharpeville as one of our biggest townships. We need to keep our hands on deck because anything can get loose, and if we fail to enforce the law in this township, we might lose a bigger part of Sedibeng.”
In preparation for the March 21 festivities, additional operations are planned to ensure readiness and the safety of the people.
The operation involved various stakeholders, including Community Corrections, addressing parolees not adhering to bail conditions or absconding, Sedibeng Social Crime Prevention, and Gauteng Traffic police.
Successful outcomes of the operation included six drug seizures, one illegal shebeen clampdown, 15 arrests of illegal immigrants, and the issuance of 13 traffic fines totaling R 8 000.
