Police destroy more than 11 000 firearms in Vanderbijlpark

Thousands of illegal and forfeited firearms went up in flames today (July 9), as SAPS dealt another blow to violent crime, reports Sedibeng Ster.

A total of 11 859 firearms were destroyed during the official firearm destruction process held on International Day for the Destruction of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Among the weapons destroyed were 4 089 blank guns, airguns and homemade firearms.

Although often seen as less dangerous than conventional firearms, police warned that these weapons are frequently used in criminal activities and can still be deadly.

The destruction process was officiated by Police Deputy Minister Dr Polly Boshielo, who was joined by SAPS divisional commissioner for visible policing and operations Lieutenant General Maropeng Mamothethi, Sedibeng district commissioner Major General Nkhensani Mukwevho, head of firearms compliance and enforcement Brigadier Simon Bopape, acting component head for firearm, liquor and second-hand goods Brigadier Nonhlanhla Sikhakhane, and other senior SAPS officials.

Police said the destruction of confiscated firearms is a crucial step in preventing weapons from finding their way back into the hands of criminals.

According to SAPS, at least 100 illegal firearms are seized every week through intelligence-driven operations, tracing investigations, stop-and-search operations, and other crime-fighting initiatives.

Before being destroyed, every firearm with a working mechanism undergoes integrated ballistic identification system testing to determine whether it has been used in the commission of any crimes.

SAPS said permanently destroying forfeited firearms removes them from circulation and helps reduce the availability of weapons commonly used in violent crimes.

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