30% of stolen SAPS firearms not recovered
16 March 2022
Note to Editors: Please find an attached soundbite by Andrew Whitfield MP
The DA can reveal that nearly 30% of stolen firearms from the South African Police Service (SAPS) over the past 10 financial years have not been recovered. This came to light in a Parliamentary Question posed to the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele.
Of the 7 331 firearms stolen only 5 170 were recovered. Even more shocking is the fact that of the 10 808 555 rounds of ammunition that were stolen in the past decade 75% were not recovered - only 2 672 578 rounds were recovered.
The calibre of weapons stolen and recovered is also concerning, with 238 rifles and 89 shotguns over the past 10 years. This does not include the firearms that were stolen and not recovered. The Minister omitted this information from his reply and the DA will submit a follow-up question.