SAPS Marks International Small Arms Destruction Day With Disposal of Over 11,000 Firearms
- Karen Scheepers
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Today, July 9, 2026, marks the International Day for the Destruction of Small Arms and Light Weapons, as declared by the United Nations. Highlighting the global significance of this day, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is executing a major firearm disposal operation in Gauteng, permanently removing 11,859 firearms and firearm parts from circulation.
Breakdown of the Destroyed Weaponry
The bulk of the weapons slated for destruction consists of handguns, which historically represent the highest volume of firearms utilized in urban crimes. A precise breakdown of the 11,859 items reveals the following distribution:
Firearm Type | Quantity | Percentage of Total |
Handguns | 9,596 | 81.00% |
Rifles | 1,102 | 9.00% |
Shotguns | 798 | 6.73% |
Combinations and Firearm Parts | 363 | 2.25% |
Sources of Confiscation and Forfeiture
The weaponry scheduled for disposal was accumulated through various operational channels and subsequently forfeited to the State. The operational breakdown indicates a heavy reliance on public cooperation alongside targeted law enforcement actions:
Voluntary Surrendering: 61.00%
Direct Police Action: 33.00%
Firearm Amnesty Periods: 4.54%
Seizures Related to Violence Against Women and Children: 1.22%
This operation represents the first official firearm destruction process for the 2026/2027 financial year. It contributes significantly to a broader historical campaign, bringing the total number of firearms destroyed by the SAPS over the last seven years to 317,811.
High-Level Oversight
The official destruction process is being closely monitored by senior state and police leadership to ensure compliance with legal protocols. The event is officiated by the Deputy Minister of Police, Dr. Polly Boshielo, alongside high-ranking dignitaries including:
Lieutenant General Maropeng Mamothethi – Divisional Commissioner: Visible Policing and Operations
Brigadier Simon Bopape – Firearms Compliance and Enforcement Head
Brigadier Nonhlanhla Sikhakhane – Acting Component Head for Firearm, Liquor, and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH)
A Continued Stance Against Illicit Arms
By deliberately scheduling this mass disposal on the United Nations' designated International Day for the Destruction of Small Arms and Light Weapons, the SAPS emphasizes its relentless campaign to intercept and permanently eliminate illegal hardware.
This initiative underscores the national commitment to disarming criminal elements and aligning domestic law enforcement with global disarmament standards. The permanent decommissioning of these weapons ensures they cannot re-enter illicit markets, ultimately safeguarding communities and reducing the capacity for violent crime across South Africa.
Image Credits: ArriveAlive.co.za
Source: https://www.accidents.co.za
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