Police in Gauteng continue to recover unlicensed firearms and ammunition in a concerted effort to address serious and violent crimes in the province. Section 3 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 clearly indicates: ‘No person may possess a firearm unless he or she holds a license, permit or authorisation issued in terms of this Act for that firearm’.
SAPS Gauteng in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, Business Against Crime South Africa’s Eyes and Ears (E2) Initiative partners and other relevant stakeholders have collectively attributed to the recovery of over 400 unlicensed firearms and nearly 6000 rounds of ammunition over a period of four weeks (27 June to 23 July 2023).
In addition, approximately 230 suspects were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition across the province.
These operational successes, amongst other recoveries, are the result of SAPS Gauteng’s multi-disciplinary crime fighting efforts that include Operation Shanela (formerly known as Operation O Kae Molao), routine crime prevention patrols, random stop-and-searches and vehicle check points (VCP’s). Also, unlicensed firearms and ammunition are also recovered through community tip-offs.
All the recovered firearms will be subjected to a ballistic test to determine whether it can be linked to other serious crime committed.
Community members are urged to join the police in the fight against crime by reporting criminal activities to their nearest police station, SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively leave an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS App.
