By Everson Luhanga
- Police recovered 226 firearms in raids across Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, with several linked to robberies and attempted murder of police officers.
- Investigators found 377 company-registered firearms unaccounted for, raising fears the weapons were being rented out for violent crimes.
Police have launched a major crackdown on a private security company accused of breaking the Firearms Control Act.
The National Tracking and Tracing Task Team seized 226 guns in raids across Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga under Operation Buyisa.
In Krugersdorp, officers recovered 204 company-owned firearms at its business premises and found two unlicensed guns. The responsible manager was arrested.
In other raids, one rifle was taken from an unauthorised person in Lephalale, Limpopo, three firearms were seized from another security firm in Booysens, Johannesburg and 11 guns were confiscated in Makhado for unlawful storage.
Police also found a gun with ammunition dumped in an open field. In Dirkiesdorp, five firearms were seized after guards pointed and fired them in public.
In Randburg, investigators uncovered a gun linked to a 2016 attempted murder of police officers.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a total of 226 firearms were confiscated, but police say 377 guns registered to the company remain missing. The firm has been ordered to produce them under Section 106 of the Act.
“Police are also investigating whether the company illegally rented out weapons to criminals. Several seized firearms are already linked to cash-in-transit robberies, business robberies and attacks on police,” said Mathe.
Launched in July, Mathe said Operation Buyisa targets illegal guns and forces security companies to follow the Firearms Control Act.
Pictured above: SAPS police officers with evidence
Image source: Supplied
