The South African Police Service (SAPS) has destroyed more than 13 859 firearms and firearm parts during an official destruction process conducted in Vanderbijlpark and Sedibeng District Municipality.
The firearms and associated parts were collected through a combination of nationwide policing operations, targeted crime-combatting initiatives and voluntary public handovers. All items destroyed had been legally forfeited to the State following due judicial processes.
The Sedibeng District Commissioner Major General Adelaide Mukwevho officiated the destruction process alongside Acting Component Head for Firearm, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) Brigadier Nonhlanhla Sikhakhane as well as senior SAPS management personnel.
Officials confirmed that the destruction formed part of SAPS’ broader efforts to permanently remove illegal and redundant firearms from circulation, preventing their potential re-entry into criminal networks and contributing to improved public safety outcomes.
This marked the second official firearm destruction process undertaken by SAPS during the 2025/2026 financial year.
Over the past seven years SAPS has destroyed a total of 305 934 firearms through similar disposal initiatives reflecting an ongoing commitment to strengthening firearm control measures and reducing the proliferation of illicit weapons within South Africa.
The continued disposal of confiscated and surrendered firearms remains a key pillar in national crime prevention strategies ensuring that weapons linked to criminal activity are irreversibly dismantled and responsibly eliminated from the national inventory.
