Reduction firearms in communities will assist in reducing crime- MEC Manana

Media Statement
09 February 2010

Communities are reminded to take advantage of the window period for the National Firearm Amnesty as declared by the National Minister of Police to hand in all unwanted and illegal firearms and ammunition.

Communities can hand in those firearms and ammunition to any police station without any fear of being arrested unless those firearms were used in committing crime.

Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Sibongile Manana says that reducing firearms in the communities will assist in ensuring that crime is reduced because it has been established that most of the crimes are committed using firearms.

“Reduction of illegal firearms in circulation will go a long way towards creation of safer communities,” said Manana.

She indicated that crimes such as murder, attempted murder, car and truck hijacking all types of robbery, sexual offences and others are committed by people in possession of firearms.

The purpose of the amnesty is to reduce the number of firearms circulating and to combat crime as per the department’s strategy.

The last firearms amnesty campaign conducted 2005 was an unqualified success and over 98 000 weapons were removed from circulation.

“People who failed to license their firearms during the licensing period will also be given a chance to license their weapons in terms of the Firearms Control Act,” said Manana.

The National Firearms Amnesty window period opened from 11 January 2010 and will be closed on 11 April 2010.

Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison

Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450