Over the past seven days, the South African Police Service has confiscated 106 illegal firearms nationwide. This comes three days after General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said illegal guns are often linked to political killings.
Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said SAPS arrested 64 suspects following the discovery of the illegal guns.
He said police made the discovery during a nationwide Operation Shanela, where SAPS also seized 1 355 rounds of ammunition.
ILLEGAL FIREARMS USED IN THE COMMISSION OF OTHER CRIMES
On 3 July 2025, police arrested two suspects and two suspects died, following a foiled cash-in transit robbery in uMsinga, KwaZulu-Natal. Police found two unlicensed firearms, ammunition and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle in their possession.
The next day, SAPS recovered stolen vehicles and two unlicensed firearms during a similar incident in Gauteng.
“Three suspected cash-in-transit robbers were fatally shot in a shootout with police and other law enforcement agencies on the N3 highway road,” said Mukhathi.
MKHWANAZI FINGERS POLICE MINISTER IN DRUG CRIMES
During a media briefing held on 6 July 2025, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused the minister of police, Senzo Mchunu, of interfering with police investigations.
He alleged that that minister was in cahoots with drug cartels. The briefing has since caused public outrage, while the Mchunu labelled the allegations as baseless.
According to Mukhati however, authorities arrested 286 drug dealers in the past week. A further 2 515 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs.
SAPS VOW TO SOLVE CRIME
According to Mukhathi, SAPS remains steadfast and resolute to not only combat, but to prevent crime from happening in the country.
“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” concluded Mukhathi.
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