South Africa is facing a concerning issue with the proliferation of illegal firearms, as highlighted by Police Minister Bheki Cele. The SAPS is aware of where many of these firearms are coming from but needs to conduct further investigations to confirm the information.
In response to the recent tragedy in the Eastern Cape, where 18 family members were shot dead during a gathering, the police have intensified efforts to combat illegal firearms. Operation Shanela yielded 117 firearms and 872 rounds of ammunition seized in just one week.
Crime analyst Dr. Chris De Kock emphasized the severity of the situation, pointing out that organized crime syndicates and armed criminals pose a significant threat. The use of heavy-calibre guns, such as AK47s stolen from law enforcement or security companies, has led to devastating consequences in incidents like the Eastern Cape massacre.
It is clear that urgent action is needed to address the influx of illegal firearms and prevent further tragedies in South Africa.