By Everson Luhanga
- The guns were seized during crime-fighting operations, firearm amnesty periods and criminal cases, and some were linked to farm attacks.
- Gauteng had the highest number destroyed with 5,193 guns, and police have destroyed 305,934 firearms over the past seven years.
Communities hit by shootings and armed robberies could see fewer illegal guns on the streets after police destroyed 13,859 firearms in Vanderbijlpark on 19 February 2026.
It was the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) second firearm destruction process for the 2025/26 financial year.
Major General Adelaide Mukhwevho, District Commissioner of Sedibeng in Gauteng, presided over the official destruction process.
Most of the guns were confiscated during crime-fighting operations, including Operation Shanela. Others were handed in during firearm amnesty periods or were forfeited to the state after criminal cases were finalised. Some were linked to farm attacks, cash-in-transit robberies and crimes against women and children.
Of the total destroyed, 11,183 were handguns, 1,302 were rifles and 1,004 were shotguns. Police also destroyed 7,708 blank guns, airguns and homemade firearms. SAPS said these weapons are often used in crimes.
Gauteng had the highest number destroyed, with 5,193 firearms. KwaZulu-Natal followed with 2,752 and the Western Cape with 2,155. The Eastern Cape accounted for 1,300, Mpumalanga 605, Limpopo 535 and the Free State 499. The Northern Cape had 411, North West 354 and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) destroyed 55.
SAPS said destroying forfeited firearms ensures they do not re-enter circulation. Over the past seven years, police have destroyed 305,934 firearms.
Police seize at least 100 illegal firearms every week during tracing operations and stop and searches. Last week, Operation Shanela II recovered 147 illegal firearms and 4,465 rounds of ammunition nationwide.
Pictured above: The confiscated guns.
Image source: SAPS
