South African Police destroys over 40,000 Firearms

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has destroyed 46,592 firearms, including parts and ammunition

According to SAPS, the firearms had been seized during crime prevention operations, while some were voluntarily surrendered or forfeited to the state.

The police further disclosed that 20,590 firearms were destroyed, 15465 of those destroyed were handguns while 2,686 were rifles, 1,855 were shotguns and the rest were firearm parts.

Meanwhile, earlier in March this year, 26,002 had also been destroyed, bringing the total number of firearms and firearm parts destroyed to 46,592.​

Colonel Athlenda Mathe stated:

“The process to demolish the firearms today was overseen by the Divisional Commissioner responsible for Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant General Michael Mohlala.

“All firearms that have been destroyed were subjected to Ballistic testing to determine if they were utilised in any commission of a crime. The SAPS confirms that all firearms have been cleared,’’

“The SAPS will continue to intensify its operations to detect and remove illegal firearms and ammunition from the streets of South Africa, as they pose a threat to the safety and security of the inhabitants of this country.

“The organization therefore takes this opportunity to commend members of the public for playing a part in making South Africa a safer place to live in. The Service remains confident that destroying these firearms will ensure that they are permanently removed from circulation.”