FOR PERSONAL, NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY
South African Police Service, Press Release
July 18, 2002

Media Release By The South African Police Service:
Communication And Liaison Services

Statement Regarding Destruction Of Firearms

Benoni: 18 July 2002

The South African Police Service today destroyed a large consignment of firearms and firearms parts as part of its continuous effort to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and to reduce firearms-related violence in our country.

The destruction, which took place on the East Rand, was observed by several senior officers of the SAPS and other observers.

A total of 22,787 firearms including pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, sub-machine and machine guns as well as firearms equipment have been destroyed today. The firearms destroyed in this batch included 9, 073 confiscated firearms as well as 13, 714 redundant state firearms.

Since 1999 nearly 22, 000 confiscated firearms and more than 45, 000 redundant state firearms have been destroyed by the SAPS. The SAPS is implementing its firearm standardisation plan. In terms of this standardisation plan certain firearms have been identified for use by the SAPS and all firearms that do not conform the requirements are being phased out and are consequently destroyed. The standardisation will ensure more effective training of members in the use of firearms, which will reduce the risk of accidents. It will also endure more cost-effective maintenance of firearms, which will reduce the risk of accidents. It will also ensure more cost-effective maintenance of firearms in the Service.

By destroying confiscated firearms we are making certain that these weapons will never find their way back into the hands of criminals.

"In many of the serious and violent crimes in south Africa, firearms are being used. Many are being lost or stolen each year, thereby contributing towards the pool of illegal firearms. Often negligence or the irresponsible use of firearms by licensed owners is the direct cause of this loss, turning a legal firearm into an illegal one." Commissioner Hlela said.

Commissioner Hiela also expressed his concern about the number of children that are being injured or killed by firearms at the fact that firearms are being used in domestic disputes. He reiterated that parents, who own firearms, have a responsibility to ensure that their children do not get access to firearms or ammunition as these are often taken to school with detrimental consequences.

The South African Police Service aims to promote a culture of responsible firearm ownership. Every licence holder will be held accountable for any negligence with regards to firearms and if found guilty at the very least declare them to be unfit to possess a firearms.

Ends.

Enquiries: Snr Supt Andrew Lesch, Cell No: 082 800 6740