AfriForum draws line re stolen firearms
AfriForum requested records from the South African Police Service (SAPS) in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act about firearms that were stolen and destroyed since the amnesty period in 2009. After the confiscation of over 300 firearms from a Norwood home in Johannesburg of Ukrainian nationals on 4 June 2014, AfriForum submitted a letter to National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, requesting the records of the firearm registry.
"The Police are now, in terms of the PAIA application, requested to provide the information to us. We want to know exactly how many firearms have been destroyed and stolen from police firearm safes since 2009," Ian Cameron, Head of Community Safety at AfriForum said.
Cameron said they suspect police involvement with illegal firearm dealers, and that Police should be held accountable.
"It is especially concerning that so many government registered firearms go lost and are found at the hide-outs of criminals. The police have to protect citizens. It's a shame that law enforcers are now allegedly providing firearms to criminals," Cameron concluded.
AfriForum gave the SAPS 30 days to give feedback.
Statement issued by Ian Cameron, Head: Community Safety, AfriForum, June 26 2014
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