Police intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal weapons

With firearms the preferred method of committing violent crimes, police have intensified efforts to remove illegal weapons from the streets.

Over the last year, about 4 000 illegal firearms were recovered across the country, with more than 72 000 seized during police operations over the last three years.

Clamping down on illegal weapons, police have urged firearm owners to always be in control of their guns, and to keep them locked in the safe.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said illegal firearms pose a danger to entire communities, and all those that have been confiscated have been destroyed.

Mathe said community tip-offs play a pivotal role in assisting the SAPS in tracing illegal firearms.

“We plead with our communities to report and share information on criminals who are in possession of illegal firearms so we can save more lives and reduce crime,” she said.

She added that anyone who wants to own a firearm legally must go for training and have a competency certificate from a registered firearms training institute.

“Once the competency certificate has been obtained, he or she can apply for a firearm licence at the nearest police station. It’s important to note that a person needs to have a licence for every firearm that he owns or possesses.

“Always remember that you must renew your 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,” explained a senior police officer.

Meanwhile, two men were arrested outside eShowe on Monday after they were found in possession of illegal firearms.

According to King Cetshwayo Cluster spokesperson Captain Siyanda Shangase, TRT members from KwaDukuza together with

Mbongolwane SAPS acted on a tip-off which led them to Mamba and Samungu areas where two men were arrested.

“One of the suspects was found in possession of a homemade rifle, seven rounds of shotgun ammunition and nine 9mm rounds. The second suspect was arrested in the Samungu area and was found with a shotgun and live ammunition.

“Both suspects appeared at the Inkanyezi Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in police custody pending an investigation. They are expected to appear in court on Monday for a formal bail application,” he said.

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