2 000 firearms destroyed

2003-11-25 18:52

Johannesburg - A total of 1 997 firearms confiscated throughout the Limpopo province were destroyed as part of the province's effort to reduce illegal firearms, police said on Tuesday.

Superintendent Frans Mojapelo said the destruction of firearms, which took place in Benoni, east of Johannesburg on Tuesday, was observed by Limpopo provincial police commissioner Calvin Sengani.

The operation which started in April 2003 and ended on November 24, saw the arrest of 124 people, said Mojapelo.

They were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and other related firearm offences. Police confiscated 52 000 rounds of ammunition.

Sengani said many stolen and lost licensed firearms contributed to the pool of illegal firearms in the province.

He urged all firearm owners to accept responsibility of firearm ownership and assist police with the eradication of abuse against women and children.

- SAPA