Police rid streets of illegal firearms
In the past year, police confiscated more than 4000 illegal firearms during operations.
Illegal firearms pose a danger to communities. This was a concern raised by police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, who said in the past year, Saps confiscated more than 4000 illegal firearms during operations.
Mathe added that more than 72 000 firearms that were seized during operations in the last three years, have been destroyed by the police.
According to records, he said, firearms are the most preferred weapon during robberies and murders.
“As the Saps our focus is to remove illegal firearms from our streets. Tip-offs from our communities play a pivotal role in assisting to trace these illegal firearms. We plead with our communities to report and share information on criminals who have illegal firearms, so that we can save more lives and reduce crime levels,” said Mathe.
Firearm owners are also urged to keep their licensed firearm in a safe and be the only person with the key to the safe whenever the firearm is not in use, or keep it in his or her possession on a holster attached to his or her body.
A firearm owner must always be in control of his firearm. If anyone wants to own a firearm legally, they first need training to acquire a competency certificate from a registered firearms training institute
Once the competency certificate has been obtained, one can apply for a firearm licence at the nearest police station.
Mathe said it was important to note that one needs a licence for every firearm owned.
“Renew a firearm licence at least 90 days before the expiry date. The validity of the licence varies between two and 10 years depending on the type of licence,” he said.
Communities must call 086 001 0111 immediately when they are aware of anyone in possession of illegal firearms
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