Friday, 04 October 2024

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) expresses serious concern over the alarming number of missing and stolen firearms from the South African Police Service (SAPS), as reported by the responsible Minister, Mr. Senzo Mchunu. In just six months, SAPS has lost a staggering 350 pistols, 5 R1 rifles, 12 R5 rifles, and 4 shotguns, effectively placing these dangerous weapons in the hands of criminals who continue to terrorise our communities. These firearms will undoubtedly be used to perpetrate heinous crimes and exacerbate the rising rates of extortion and violence in our neighbourhoods.

This troubling trend raises significant alarm, particularly when reflecting on the lessons of the past. In 2016, two former police colonels admitted to selling 2,000 firearms to criminal gangs, thereby disempowering both the community and the police in the fight against crime. With SAPS now losing 400 firearms in a short six-month span, it appears we are on the brink of reliving the same catastrophic experience.

We have seen first-hand how these firearms amplify the deadly power of criminals, contributing to the sharp rise in violent crime, extortion, and mass killings. Recently, in Lusikisiki, a horrific mass shooting left 18 people dead, and it is precisely these kinds of tragedies that are enabled when firearms go missing from police control. The ripple effect is felt throughout society, where guns flood into our communities, fuelling violence, gangsterism, and leaving families devastated.

The ANC has consistently failed to address the root of this systemic issue, allowing the rot to persist in law enforcement. Under the ANC’s watch, SAPS has become infiltrated by criminal elements, and this is no accident; it is part of a wider pattern of corruption, where even some ANC leaders have been linked to violent crimes such as heists. The ANC has betrayed the people of South Africa by allowing these crimes to flourish and failing to protect the citizens it claims to serve.

The EFF firmly believes that this situation vindicates our longstanding position that SAPS must conduct regular vetting of its members. It is increasingly evident that there are individuals within the ranks who are part of a cartel, while masquerading as law enforcement agents.

The EFF has consistently called for SAPS to implement stringent measures to control the use and management of firearms within its ranks. Additionally, we recommend SAPS to explore the deployment of discreet, permanent GPS tracking devices that would enable the location of each firearm, thus enhancing accountability and security.

The safety and security of our communities depend on the integrity and professionalism of our police service. It is imperative that immediate action be taken to address this critical issue before it spirals further out of control. The EFF will continue to advocate for the safety of all South Africans and will hold police leadership accountable for ensuring that firearms are handled responsibly and transparently.

ISSUED BY THE ECNONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 563 1581