Targeting firearm crime is the fastest way to improve public safety

This seminar launches new analysis on mapping gun crimes in South Africa as a vital step to reducing violence.

Date: 2024-10-17

Time: 11:00 to 12:30

Venue: ISS Pretoria, seminar room and online via Zoom

The quickest way for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to improve public safety is by focusing on firearm crime and violence. Guns play a major role in pushing up levels of murder, including femicide, and other forms of violent organised crime. These weapons are used in most serious robberies and by gangs involved in extortion and other crimes.

This seminar will discuss the scale and impact of firearm crime and how to strengthen police responses to it. A new Institute for Security Studies (ISS) policy brief on mapping firearm crimes will be launched.

Moderator: Dhiya Matai, Consultant, ISS

Panelists:

• Major General Norman Sekhukune, Crime Registrar, SAPS
• Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane, Researcher, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime
• Dr Freddy Hlungwani, Deputy Director, Gauteng Department of Community Safety
• David Bruce, Policing Expert, ISS