The SAPS recently announced that in the span of six months it recovered over 200 illegal firearms throughout the metro.

Tshwane District Police Service recovered and removed 239 unlicensed firearms between October 1, 2024, and March 31 this year.

The recoveries were a joint effort across all 36 police stations in Tshwane.

Spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said it was a significant step forward towards fighting violent crime in the metro, as firearms are go-to instruments for criminals.

“These recoveries have contributed significantly to the stabilisation of contact crimes across the Tshwane District during this period and have delivered a positive impact on community safety. The recoveries also prevented violent crimes with fewer illegal firearms in circulation, thus reducing opportunities for violent confrontations, saving lives and reinforcing overall community safety,” Van Dyk said.

He said the operations were meticulously planned, using detailed crime trend analysis and intelligence-driven policing.

Collaboration with informants and community members also assists in disabling criminal activities in the metro.

The recovered firearms led to the arrest of several suspects linked to crimes such as murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery.

District commissioner of Tshwane, Major General Samuel Thine, expressed his gratitude to his fellow police members for their unwavering dedication and bravery.

“We hope these recoveries and arrests will bring about community trust and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement, fostering improved cooperation between communities and the police,” Thine said.

Also Read: Tshwane law enforcement no longer operating in silos after signing MoU

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