The Gauteng police force in South Africa has achieved a significant milestone in their fight against serious and violent crimes by confiscating an astounding number of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Over a six-week period, from May 15th to June 26th, 2023, the police, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, Business Against Crime South Africa’s Eyes and Ears (E2) Initiative partners, and various crime-fighting stakeholders, recovered over 900 unlicensed firearms and nearly 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, deserves credit for the impressive achievement. Firearms are often the weapon of choice in severe and violent crimes, and Lt. Gen. Mawela’s leadership has significantly contributed to the recovery of these illegal weapons. He commended the members of his department for their recent success in confiscating the illegal firearms.
SAPS Gauteng’s diverse crime-fighting strategies have been instrumental in their latest success, including high-density operations, routine crime prevention patrols, random stop-and-searches, and vehicle checkpoints. Additionally, the police received valuable community tip-offs leading to the seizure of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the local communities in fighting crime.
During the six-week operation, the police apprehended approximately 370 suspects for the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. The police force’s unwavering dedication to fighting crime and upholding the law has set a high standard for the safety and security of Gauteng’s residents.
In a statement, Lt. Gen. Mawela expressed his gratitude to the members of the police force and their crime-fighting partners. He urged them to remain fierce in the fight against crime towards a safer and more secure province for all. This sentiment reflects the commitment to ensuring that Gauteng becomes a haven of safety and security for its inhabitants.
As part of the ongoing investigation, all recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they can be linked to other serious crimes. This critical step will not only help solve past offenses but also prevent potential future crimes by taking these deadly weapons off the streets.
The Gauteng police force’s impressive accomplishments serve as an example for other law enforcement agencies worldwide. Their unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts have led to the recovery of a significant number of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, contributing to a safer environment for all Gauteng residents. By working together with various crime-fighting partners and the local community, the police have demonstrated that unity and cooperation are key ingredients in the recipe for success against crime.
South Africa's Springboks achieved an incredible win against New Zealand's All Blacks in the Cape…
The Northern Cape in South Africa transforms into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers every year…
The Peers family, selftaught archaeologists, played a significant role in uncovering the ancient history of…
The budget cuts in education that could lead to over 2,000 teachers losing their jobs…
The Western Cape is facing a potentially turbulent fire season due to excessive rainfall, which…
In September 2023, a routine South African Navy drill turned into a tragedy when an…