More than 400 firearms removed from the streets of Gauteng

Firearms remain a weapon of choice in serious and violent crimes committed in Gauteng Province hence the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has always instructed and stressed that it be one of the priorities to fight the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed in the province.

For the period of 01 January 2024 to date, the SAPS in Gauteng together with other law enforcement agencies have recovered more than 400 firearms and 6000 live rounds of ammunition. All these firearms and ammunition were recovered through different crime prevention actions which include, the renowned Operation Shanela, intelligence driven operations, daily patrols, stop and searches, and vehicle checkpoints.

On 09 January 2024, an intelligence driven operation was conducted by members of Springs Crime Prevention at Everest informal settlement after they receiving a tip-off from members of the community.

The identified premises were searched and a firearm with ammunition was found hidden inside a bin containing rice. A 20-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and the unlawful possession of ammunition.

On another incident, Edenvale members were executing their normal patrol duties when they arrested three suspects found in possession of two firearms with filed off serial numbers.

The efforts and commitment of the police to remove illegal and unlicensed firearms with ammunition from the streets are greatly appreciated. “One firearm removed from the wrong hands means a lot because it could have been used to take a life or destroy one’s property”, said Lt Gen Mawela. He also thanked community members for their support and involvement in fighting crime by reporting criminal activities and giving tip-offs as some of the successes are through information received from the public.

Crime can be reported on the Crime Stop at 08600 10111 and anonymous tip-offs can also be given via MySAPS App which can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information received will be treated as strictly confidential.