More ‘lost’ firearms being seen on street
Many are believed to have been sold by police to criminals
“LOST” police guns are a big contributor to crime and killings in the country.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said police officers were more likely to lose firearms than the public.
“We are seeing additional firearms on the streets. A big chunk of them have been sold to them by the police.
“The influx of weapons is massive and the police are not succeeding in plugging the holes.”
The SA Gunowners’ Association (Saga) said that while anti-gun lobbyists blamed gun owners for a large number of losses and being the main source of the illicit pool of firearms, police and other state departments possibly contributed more to the pool.
Earlier this month, Police Minister Fikile Mbalula revealed that police negligence had resulted in police losing 7 829 firearms between 2009 and 2014.
Some of the weapons were used in violent and serious crimes.
Damian Enslin, a Saga trustee and attorney who specialises in firearm-related issues, said the association believe in responsible firearm ownership.
“What Saga is most concerned about is the fact that at some police stations, and most recently at the Bellville South and Mitchell’s Plain police stations, many firearms are being lost or stolen, or cannot be accounted for.
“There appears to be a lack of leadership, command and control as well as accountability when firearms go missing from these stations.”
Enslin added that firearms lost by members of the police were definite contributors to crime in the country.
“When the firearm is not on your person or under your direct supervision and control, that firearm must be locked in a safe that complies with SA Bureau of Standard requirements as well as with the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
“If a firearm owner does have his or her firearm stolen, in terms of the act this must be reported to the SAPS within 24 hours,” said Enslin.
Senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies Dr Johan Burger said negligence was one of the reasons police firearms went missing.
“There is also a large percentage that are lost through criminal activities. There are those officers who sell these firearms to criminal groups and then report them to be stolen or that they were robbed.”
Burger said the situation has improved over the years and previous police minister Nathi Mthethwa had been “genuinely concerned” and had put serious measures in place to reduce firearms going missing.
“If there are proper mechanisms in place, you can reduce this. To just warn or let them get away with a fine is not enough.
“There needs to be more done and thorough investigation into every instance is key.”
Hawks spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi said it was investigating a number of officers, including a station commander and senior officers, who were suspended after firearms went missing from stations in Cape Town.
“We are sure of success, although it will take time. The matter is a very serious crime and we will investigate it.”
THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE DONE AND THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO EVERY INSTANCE IS KEY