Gun Free South Africa Holds Minister of Police Accountable for Crimes Committed with SAPS Firearms

Gun Free South Africa, an advocacy organization, has recently spoken out against the increasing number of crimes committed with police weapons that have been smuggled to gangsters. The organization’s director, Adele Kirsten, has placed the blame squarely on the South African Police Service (SAPS) for neglecting to protect its firearms, stating that the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, must be held accountable for these crimes.

Kirsten made these comments during an interview with eNCA, in which she expressed deep concern over the growing trend of criminals obtaining firearms that were originally meant for use by law enforcement. She stressed that the SAPS must take responsibility for securing their weapons and preventing them from falling into the wrong hands.

The situation is particularly alarming given the already high levels of crime and violence in South Africa, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proliferation of illegal firearms only serves to exacerbate these issues, putting innocent civilians at even greater risk.

Gun Free South Africa has called for a comprehensive review of the SAPS’ firearm management protocols and for greater accountability on the part of those responsible for the security of these weapons. The organization has also urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to the illegal possession of firearms.

It is essential for the SAPS to take immediate action to address the issue of police weapons being smuggled to gangsters. This includes ensuring that proper procedures are in place for securing and monitoring their firearms, as well as implementing stricter penalties for those found to be involved in the illegal trade of firearms.

The safety and security of the citizens of South Africa should be the top priority of the SAPS, and they must take swift and decisive action to address this critical issue.