The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has expressed serious concerns regarding significant discrepancies in the case involving the arrest of suspects allegedly found in possession of high-calibre firearms in Cape Town earlier this week.
According to the initial report issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS), eight suspects were arrested during a raid on Monday 22 September. Police also seized six AK-47 rifles, eight pistols and ammunition. However, it is alleged that the official docket only records six suspects, six rifles and six pistols.
“While the arrest of suspects for possession of illegal firearms is welcomed, particularly in the context of the alleged intended use of these weapons, it is deeply concerning that official information reflects only six suspects and six pistols. This is clearly inconsistent with the SAPS’s original report,” said Cameron in a statement on 25 September.
He noted that information now shows that suspects have been released without clarity on who authorised the release or the status of the confiscated firearms. These developments, Cameron cautioned, undermine public confidence in the police, particularly in crime-affected areas such as the Cape Flats.
“It is unacceptable that SAPS initially announced the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of eight pistols, yet two suspects and two pistols are now unaccounted for in the official record,” he said. “This kind of discrepancy, or worse, possible tampering, raises serious questions about accountability and transparency within the SAPS.”
Cameron further raised concerns about the regulation of security companies’ access to firearms amid allegations that rogue security companies arm criminals, including hitmen.
In response to these developments, the Chairperson will urgently seek clarification from the SAPS on the following key issues:
• Who authorised the release of the suspects?
• Where are the missing two pistols?
• Are all firearms from the operation accounted for?
• What measures are being taken to ensure accurate, reliable and transparent reporting by SAPS?
“The Cape Flats continues to endure violent crime, gang-related killings and mass shootings,” Cameron said. “The public cannot be expected to place their confidence in law enforcement if inconsistencies and a lack of follow-through mar such serious cases.”
He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency within SAPS and the broader Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster. The committee will also engage SAPS leadership to ensure this matter is addressed with the urgency it demands.
“Efforts to remove illegal firearms from our streets are critical, but those efforts must be undertaken with integrity,” he said. “When discrepancies like this arise, they threaten to undo the very progress we aim to make.”
