SAPS Seizes 537 Firearms in Mpumalanga Compliance Crackdown

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its national firearms compliance drive, conducting 3 728 inspections at business premises such as gun dealerships and security companies in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

The inspections form part of SAPS' broader efforts to strengthen accountability in the private firearms sector, ensure lawful firearm storage and prevent licensed weapons from being diverted into criminal hands.

Strict Obligations Under the Firearms Control Act

The Firearms Control Act places stringent responsibilities on all firearm licence holders, whether individuals or businesses. These obligations include:

• Safe and secure storage of firearms and ammunition

• Proper authorisation for firearm possession

• Accurate record-keeping and accountability

• Compliance with licence and permit conditions

In terms of the Act, all firearm owners must hold both:

• A valid competency certificate, and

• A valid firearm licence or permit, whether for personal or business use

Failure to comply with these requirements constitutes a criminal offence.

Operation Buyisa Leads to Major Firearm Seizure

A major breakthrough was recorded this week in Mpumalanga, where the National Tracking and Tracing Task Team, operating under Operation Buyisa, arrested a 55-year-old gun dealer in Middelburg for alleged non-compliance with the Act.

During the operation, police seized 537 licensed firearms and ammunition.

According to SAPS, preliminary investigations began after information was received about a security company allegedly operating with expired firearm licences.

"Further investigation led the team to a plot on the outskirts of eMalahleni after interviewing a gun dealer, who reportedly stored the security company's firearms," SAPS said.

Unlicensed Storage Facility Discovered

The task team discovered a large cache of firearms and ammunition stored at the plot, which was confirmed to be an unlicensed storage facility.

Police indicated that the gun dealer allegedly ran out of storage space at the registered business premises and unlawfully stored weapons elsewhere.

The seizure highlights ongoing concerns around improper firearm storage, particularly within private security and firearms trading sectors.

SAPS Warns Licence Holders Against Non-Compliance

SAPS reminded all licensed gun owners and institutions that Section 120(1) of the Firearms Control Act makes it an offence to:

• Contravene or fail to comply with any provision of the Act

• Breach conditions of a licence, permit or authorisation

• Disregard any lawful notice or requirement issued under the Act

"Regular firearm compliance inspections at business premises enforce accountability and ensure records of licensed firearms and ammunition are kept accurately," SAPS said.

National Focus on Preventing Firearms Diversion

The compliance inspections form part of SAPS' ongoing national strategy to curb the illegal circulation of firearms, strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure that licensed weapons remain securely controlled.

Operation Buyisa continues to play a key role in tracking, tracing and recovering firearms linked to criminal activity, while ensuring that dealers and security companies meet the legal standards required under South African law.