Police crack down on illegal firearms

In the past year, Saps has confiscated more than 4000 illegal firearms during operations, with more than 72 000 firearms seized during operations in the past three years.
These have been destroyed by the police.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said, according to records, firearms are the most preferred weapon during robberies and murders, and that is why Saps focus is to remove these firearms from the streets.

Tips offs from communities play a pivotal role in assisting the Saps to trace these illegal firearms.

“We plead with our communities to report and share information on criminals who are in possession of illegal firearms so that we are able to save more lives and reduce crime levels,” said Mathe.

Firearm owners must also remember to keep his/her licensed firearm in a safe.

* Be the only person with the key of the safe whenever the firearm is not in use or keep it in his possession on a holster attached to his or her body.
* A firearm owner must always be in control of his firearm.
* If anyone wants to own a firearm legally, they firstly need to go for training and be in possession of a competency certificate from a registered firearms training institute.
* Once you have obtained the competency certificate, you can apply for the firearm licence at your nearest police station.
* It’s important to note that you need a licence for every firearm that you possess.
* Always remember that you must renew your firearm licence at least 90 days before the expiry date. The validity of the licence varies between two and 10 years depending on the type of licence.

Communities must call 08600 10111 immediately when they are aware of anyone in possession of illegal firearms.

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