The South African Police Service (SAPS) remains relentless in its efforts to detect and permanently remove illegal firearms and ammunition in circulation.
Today, 9 July 2026, the #SAPS will destroy 11 859 firearms and firearm parts during a destruction process taking place in Gauteng today.
9 596 Handguns contribute to 81% of the firearms that are being destroyed, followed by 1 102 rifles at 9% and 798 shotguns at 6.73%. The remaining 2.25% are 363 combinations and firearm parts.
These firearms and firearm parts have been collected during policing operations across the country and subsequently forfeited to the State; others were handed in voluntarily. A bulk of the firearms to be destroyed are from Police action 33%, voluntary surrendering 61%, amnesty firearms 4.54% and violence against women and children 1.22%.
SAPS has destroyed 317 811 firearms in the last seven years.
Did You Know – July 9, marks the International Day for the Destruction of Small Arms and Light Weapons as declared by the United Nations. That is the significance of having the destruction today.
The Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo together with the Divisional Commissioner: Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant General Maropeng Mamothethi, Firearms Compliance and Enforcement Head, Brigadier Simon Bopape Acting Component Head for Firearm, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH), Brigadier Nonhlanhla Sikhakhane, and senior SAPS management as she officiates over the official firearm destruction process.
This is the first firearm destruction process for the 2026/2027 financial year.
#GunsOffTheStreets #GunsDestruction
The SAPS will destroy 11 859 firearms and firearm parts during a destruction process taking place in Gautenghttps://t.co/vwU0PPav3k#ArriveAlive #GunsOffTheStreets @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/Ei2wuuBQn4
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 9, 2026
