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 historica