Numerous SAPS firearms lost
Numerous firearms belonging to SAPS members were either lost or stolen over the last year.
This was confirmed by Gauteng police spokesman Lieut Kay Makhubele.
Makhubele couldn’t, however, confirm how many firearms were stolen or lost by Springs police members.
If firearms are stolen from police officers, full investigations follow to determine whether a member is fit to handle a firearm or whether they should be criminally charged.
Such investigations could also result in the member’s dismissal from service.
“The gross negligence of losing a firearm should not be taken lightly,” says Makhubele.
Firearms in the hands of police should be recorded and tracked properly, and members should exercise discipline.
Police members are issued firearms once they have completed training at police college and placed on operational duties.
Makhubele says firearms are inspected from time to time depending on the duties performed by a member.
He says lost or stolen police firearms are often used to commit crimes.
“Safety and security is an obligation to all SAPS members,” adds Makhubele.
