GAUTENG - In an effort to fight the proliferation of unlicensed firearms, the police in Gauteng have since 01 January 2023 to 11 January 2023 seized 3103 unlicensed firearms and 2904 various assorted rounds of ammunition including those that were voluntarily surrendered by the public.

The firearms were seized during different operations which include the multi-disciplinary Operation O Kae Molao, routine crime prevention patrols, stop-and-searches and community tip-offs. The operations are conducted in partnership with other law enforcement agencies and relevant partners.

The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended the seizures and urged the community members to work together with the police in the fight against crime. "Firearms are a weapon of choice in most crimes committed in Gauteng Province and it is important that they be removed from the wrong hands with the aim of protecting innocent victims," said Lt Gen Mawela.

All the recovered firearms will be subjected to a ballistic testing to establish any linkages to other serious crimes committed in the country.

Community members are reminded to report crime to their nearest police station, SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively leave anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS App.

Source: South African Police Service