VANDERBIJLPARK.-  Approximately 16 000 firearms and firearm parts were destroyed in Vanderbijlpark this week during the SAPS’ second destruction process of the 2024/25 financial year.

The destroyed firearms include 12 502 handguns, 1 921 rifles, 1 305 shotguns, and 47 combination firearms.

This brings the total number of firearms and firearm parts destroyed over the past six years to 279 594.

The Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, presided over the official firearm destruction process.

Police spokesperson Major General Nonkululeko Phokane said the destroyed firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition were seized during policing operations such as Operation Shanela and subsequently forfeited to the State.

Firearms linked to finalised cases of violence against women and children and cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies were also destroyed.

Some were also voluntarily surrendered or handed in during the amnesty period.