Police seize 204 firearms from Krugersdorp security firm
Hundreds of firearms, some linked to cash-in-transit robberies and attempted police killings, have been seized during Operation Buyisa, with a Krugersdorp security company at the centre of the investigation.
The police’s National Tracking and Tracing Task Team seized hundreds of firearms during Operation Buyisa, with the majority recovered from a registered private security company in Krugersdorp.
According to Gauteng Police spokesperson Dimakatso Sello, 204 firearms were seized from a registered private security company after uncovering serious contraventions of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000).
“The act places strict obligations on license holders to ensure safe storage, proper authorisation and accountability for all firearms,” Sello said.
In terms of Section 120(1), it is an offence to:
• Contravene or fail to comply with any provision of the Act
• Breach conditions of a licence, permit or authorisation
• Disregarding any lawful notice or requirement issued under the Act
Sello continued that a Section 106 notice compelled the company to present these outstanding firearms.
“Operating under multiple trading names, the company’s registered storage address was also found to be incorrect. Several seized firearms are already linked to cash-in-transit robberies, attempted murder of police officials and armed business robberies. All firearms will undergo forensic testing to trace additional crimes. Police are also investigating whether the company is illegally renting its firearms to third parties, which is a direct contravention of the Firearms Control Act.”
Sello added that the police also seized more firearms in other regions following intelligence-driven investigations.
In Lephalale, Limpopo, one rifle was seized from an undocumented person. Three firearms were found in the possession of another security company in Booysens. In Makhado, Mpumalanga, 11 firearms were seized for unlawful storage, and one firearm with ammunition and spent cartridges was found in an open veld.
In Dirkiesdorp, Mpumalanga, five firearms were recovered from security officials for pointing and discharging a firearm in a public space. In Randburg, a firearm linked to a 2016 attempted murder of police officials was also discovered.
