BOIPATONG – Police torched over 14,000 firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition in Boipatong on Thursday, 11 July, marking the first mass destruction of weapons for the 2024/2025 financial year.

The destruction, carried out under heavy police presence, saw the culmination of a year-long operation where these weapons were seized from across the nation during various policing operations.

While some of these guns were handed in voluntarily by citizens, many were confiscated in high-stakes police raids and crime-busting missions.

As per usual, the event was not without its VIPs.

The Acting Component Head for Firearm, Liquor, and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH), Brigadier Nonhlanhla Skhakhane, officiated the proceedings, joined by a cohort of senior South African Police Service management.

Cameras flashed as the officials led the ceremonial destruction, emphasizing the SAPS’s commitment to reducing gun violence and illegal arms in South Africa.

Since 2019, SAPS has destroyed a staggering 263,545 firearms, a testament to their relentless efforts to clean the streets of illegal weapons.

This latest batch adds to the growing tally, symbolizing hope for safer communities and a crackdown on gun-related crimes.

With the media locked out of this second destruction happening in the Vaal, social media posts by SAPS on the ceremony left the public with mixed reactions.

Many citizens applauded the move, seeing it as a step towards safer neighborhoods.

Collins William: Well done SA police, nice job.

Sizwe Nzimande: It’s about time we see action like this. Our streets have been plagued with gun violence for too long.

However, some voiced concerns about the effectiveness of such measures.

Javone Booysen: You’ll find a phara carrying these things soon.

Musa C Lukhele: I wonder how many found their way back to the streets.

Master P SA: Knowing our police, I won’t be surprised if some of those guns end up in criminals’ hands.