South African lawmakers have welcomed the seizure of 155 illegal firearms and the arrest of more than 14,000 suspects in a nationwide police operation over the past week, calling it a significant step in the fight against violent crime.
Ian Cameron, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for its intelligence-led operations but stressed that more needs to be done to curb the circulation of illegal firearms.
“While the 155 illegal firearms represent a drop in the ocean in the context of the scourge of illegal firearms that continue to be in circulation, the seizure is testament to the realisation by the SAPS of this ongoing challenge and a tangible proof that action is being taken to remedy this scourge,” Cameron said.
Illegal firearms remain the weapon of choice for violent crime in the country, and “concerted efforts must be made to remove them from our streets,” he added.
Cameron specifically commended Western Cape police for confiscating 38 handguns in a province plagued by gang violence.
The lawmaker also commended the police for arresting 14,165 suspects during the operations, but warned that the arrests would be meaningless without follow-through in the courts.
He praised the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team for rescuing an Ethiopian businessman from a kidnapping syndicate in Johannesburg.
With kidnappings on the rise, he called for further support and resources for the task force to strengthen its ability to combat the crime.
JN/APA