Swartland K9 unit assist SAPS to discover large cache of firearms

I commend the Swartland K-9 unit for the manner in which they assisted the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Malmesbury this past Thursday and Friday. Through the K-9’s sharp sense of smell, and as reported by SAPS, the officers discovered the following at a warehouse in the area:

- 44 firearms (comprising nine rifles, handguns, a cannon and pistols)

- 11 firearm parts (considered firearms in terms of the Firearms Control Act)

- An assortment of rounds of ammunition

- Substantial quantities of gunpowder

- Numerous boxes used for storage of firearm magazines.

This is significant breakthrough in our fight to remove firearms from our streets. The third quarter (1 October 2022 - 31 December 2022) crime statistics which were released yesterday indicate that criminals primarily use firearms to commit murder in the Western Cape. Firearms accounted for 573 (47.8%) murders in the province for the period.

I am also pleased to note that a 62-year-old suspect has been arrested. The court proceedings should now run their course. 

Not only will we as the Western Cape Government continue to support our rural safety initiatives such as the K-9 units, but we will ensure that collaborations continue to occur with other law enforcement agencies, including SAPS and relevant stakeholders, as this leads to greater successes.

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Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Reagen Allen

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 0103 (o)

082 721 3362 (m)