South Africa Reports Drop in Firearm Loss and Theft
Statistics in the South African Police Service (SAPS) 2007-2008 annual report indicate that the numbers of illegally used firearms that have been reported lost or stolen have decreased compared to the previous financial year. This has perpetuated a trend that started in 1999.
Statistics in the South African Police Service (SAPS) 2007-2008
annual report indicate that the numbers of illegally used firearms that
have been reported lost or stolen have decreased compared to the
previous financial year. This has perpetuated a trend that started in
1999.
The annual report further indicated that there has been an increase
in the number of recovered firearms in the 2007/08 financial year. Both
positive developments can be linked to the establishment of the
Firearms Control Act (2000), which introduced more rigorous firearm
control processes and procedures in South Africa, as well as specific
policing operations. This act replaced the Arms and Ammunition Act
(1969).
Many firearm control civil society groups, as well as many
individuals have identified the establishment of the Firearms Control
Act in South Africa, as a constructive attempt by government to decrease
the number of firearms in circulation, as well as to stop small
arms-related deaths. For instance, of the approximately 20,000 murder
victims in 2007, almost half had died as a result of firearms. However,
the implementation of this act (and the implications thereof) has been
widely criticized by individuals and pro-firearm organizations such as
the South African Gun owners Association (SAGA), the Gun Owners of South
Africa (GoSA) and hunting associations. These organizations and groups
see the Firearms Control Act as undermining the ability of South
Africans to defend themselves. Many such groups have questioned the
impact that the Act will have on curbing violent crime in South Africa.
The Firearm Control Act compelled licensed firearm owners to re-apply
for their firearm licenses, which included more stringent testing and
background checks. The relicensing process was concluded at the end of
March this year, and has resulted in thousands of firearms being
handed-in to the SAPS. However, pro-firearm groups have raised concerns
over the security of the impounded firearms.
Earlier this year, in response to a parliamentary question posed by
the opposition political party, Democratic Alliance, the Ministry of
Safety and Security indicated that some 8,286 firearms, which had been
recovered by the SAPS, had subsequently been lost, stolen or otherwise
misplaced. These include weapons such as pistols, shotguns, rifles and
revolvers. It was further indicated that less than 900 of these weapons
had been recovered. Though these figures have been disputed by some
sources within the SAPS they nevertheless highlight some of the
challenges the SAPS continues to face regarding the implementation of
the Firearms Control Act.
It has been reported that in the coming months the SAPS will
implement a series of measures to collect and recover thousands of
unlicensed and unlawful firearms. Effectively securing and disposing of
these firearms is an essential to preventing an increase in firearm
related crime in South Africa and neighbouring countries.
Lauren Tracey is a Sarah Meek Fellow at the Arms Management Programme, ISS Tshwane (Pretoria)
