Police in Gauteng recover over 900 unlicensed firearms and nearly 10 000 rounds of ammunition within six weeks

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng continues unabated to recover unlicensed firearms and ammunition in circulation. A firearm is known to be a weapon of choice in the commission of serious and violent crimes. It is on this basis that Provincial Commissioner of Police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended his members on the latest operational successes achieved across the province.

Police in Gauteng in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, Business Against Crime South Africa’s Eyes and Ears (E2) Initiative partners and other crime fighting stakeholders have collectively attributed to the recovery of over 900 unlicensed firearms and nearly 10 000 rounds of ammunition over a period of six weeks (15 May to 26 June 2023). In addition, approximately 370 suspects were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

These operational successes, amongst other recoveries, are the result of SAPS Gauteng’s multi-disciplinary crime fighting efforts that include high density operations, routine crime prevention patrols, random stop-and-searches and vehicle checkpoints. Furthermore, unlicensed firearms and ammunition are also recovered through community tip-offs.

“I would like to thank our members and all our crime fighting partners for consistently achieving these operational successes. Let’s continue to remain fierce in our fight against crime towards a safer and secure province for all”, said Lt Gen Mawela.

All the recovered firearms will be subjected to a ballistic test to determine whether it can be linked to other serious crimes committed.