Police management in KwaZulu-Natal has vowed to intensify operations to clamp down on the firing of gun salutes at funerals. This follows the recent deaths and injuries caused to citizens of this province. Funerals will be profiled and stricter measures will be implemented at those funerals where gun salutes are expected.

“This will include searching of people and vehicles at funerals. Firm action will be taken against those that are found to be in possession of firearms at these funerals. Police will also be checking for stolen cars that are used for the spinning of tyres at funerals of criminals, “said spokesman, Brig. Jay Naicker.

The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major. General Bheki Langa has welcomed the directive for stricter measures at funerals. “We will act against those that are in possession of illegal firearms as well as those that use their legal firearms to fire gun salutes. Legal firearm owners will be declared unfit to possess a firearm. People need to realise that when you fire a gun into the air the projectile travels back down at the same speed as it would when you fire a shot directly at someone. We cannot have people being killed or maimed at funerals,” he said.