S Masango on unwanted fire-arms and ammunition

9 March 2009

Mpumalanga Safety and Security MEC Siphosezwe Masango has welcomed the
destruction of unwanted and illegal fire-arms and ammunition by the Mpumalanga
South African Police Service (SAPS) on Thursday, 5 March 2009 in Benoni.

Masango has commended the Acting Provincial Commissioner Rex Machabi who led
the process of the destruction of these fire-arms.

"We are happy that redundant and illegal arms have been destroyed which will
minimise the circulation of unwanted weapons in our province" said MEC
Masango.

Last week Thursday's process saw the destruction of 2 456 fire-arms and 1
136 fire-arms parts and large quantity of different calibre of ammunition
collected from different police stations throughout the province compacted.

Some of these fire-arms were continuously surrendered by lawful owners
voluntary to the state for destruction; others were surrendered by people
during the fire-arm amnesty period. Among others, home-made fire-arms, AK 47s
and shotguns confiscated during various operations were also destroyed.

There are also fire-arms and ammunition which were forfeited to the state
after finalisation of case dockets by courts which also formed part of the
destroyed consignment.

Masango commended SAPS for having recorded such a number of successes under
difficult circumstances saying that there is a need to continue working with
the other stakeholders in order to fight crime in the province and confiscate
other hidden arms before they could be used to harm people.

The police have also earmarked about 1 666 ammunition which is still in
different safes at different police stations for destruction.

Masango thanked community members who participated in the fire-arm amnesty
process that saw many weapons handed over to SAPS.

Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450

Issued by: Department of Safety and Security, Mpumalanga Provincial
Government
9 March 2009
Source: Mpumalanga Provincial Government (http://www.mpumalanga.gov.za)