Police take aim at gun violence
Local police hope to educate the community on gun safety.
A GUN violence prevention campaign saw Brighton Beach SAPS officers and local security company members distribute brochures at Bluff Towers on Friday, 11 March.
The partnership between the Brighton Beach SAPS Flash (firearms, liquor and second-hand goods) team and ADT Security aimed at educating the community in a bid to reduce gun violence.
“The use of firearms during the commission of an offence has become a daily occurrence in South Africa. Criminals source firearms through the commission of business robberies, housebreakings, house robberies, hijackings, theft of or from motor vehicles and the robbery of an individual,” said Brighton Beach SAPS media officer, Captain Louise Le Roux.
The campaign concentrated on safeguarding legal firearms, reporting the illegal possession and distribution of such and the reporting of legal gun owners who contravene the Firearms Control Act. She urged lawful gun owners to ensure they are stored according to regulations.
“Firearms must not be stored under a mattress or pillow; inside cupboards, drawers or shoeboxes or under the seat, in the trunk or in the cubbyhole in cars. Firearm safes must be affixed to a wall as prescribed. The loss or theft of a firearm must be reported immediately,” said Capt Le Roux.
A secondary focus of the campaign was violence prevention, which included the use of firearms behind closed doors.
“Legal and illegal firearm owners also use them to commit intimidation, assault, domestic violence and murder.
The SAPS urges community member to report those who are illegally in possession of and dealing in firearms, including registered gun owners who are failing to safeguard their firearms, and those who use such in contravention of the Firearms Control Act,” she added.
Anonymous reports can be made by visiting www.crimeline.co.za, SMSing 32211 or calling the Crime Stop hotline on 08600-10111.
Brighton Beach SAPS management thanks thank ADT Security for sponsoring the brochures and Warrant Officers Theo and Belinda van Noordwyk and Captain Louise Le Roux for their active participation. Capt Le Roux is also thanked for researching and developing the brochure.
