DA Members of Parliament Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach and Ian Cameron said recent reports show criminals are increasingly using online platforms and covert couriers to move illegal firearms into the Western Cape. “This exposes a major weakness in South Africa’s policing. Despite identifying the proliferation of illegal guns and the need for secure cyberspace as top priorities in its Strategic Plan, SAPS has not yet fully intercepted the digital networks driving organised crime.”

The DA proposes a Cyber Commissioner to provide government and the private sector with the tools and expertise needed to tackle cyber-enabled crime. It would act as a central hub to monitor online threats, coordinate training, and set clear standards to protect sensitive information.

Most importantly, it would give SAPS and other law-enforcement agencies the capacity to investigate and disrupt criminal networks that use the internet to move firearms, drugs, and other illicit goods.

“Now that the Western Cape Police Commssioner, Thembisile Patekile, has admitted that the SAPS can not contain this situation, the DA calls on Police Minister Cachalia to step in and fully support this initiative and ensure it is implemented without delay,” the party said.

This new institution would work hand-in-hand with existing policing measures. Intelligence-led operations, cyber-forensics teams, real-time tracking of lost and stolen firearms, and partnerships with tech and cellphone companies to flag suspicious activity would support the Commissioner’s work.

“Together, these measures would allow law enforcement to not only make arrests but also secure convictions and dismantle criminal networks. By establishing a Cyber Commissioner, the DA is putting forward a practical solution to protect communities, secure cyberspace, and stop criminals from exploiting online networks to fuel violence. Modern organised crime demands modern institutions, and this is a decisive step toward making our country safer,” the DA concluded.

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In response to written questions from RISE Mzansi MP Makashule Gana, the Minister of Police said that the Enhanced Firearms Register System (EFRS) only records firearms by type, such as handgun, shotgun, or rifle, but not by make or model, such as AK-47 or Type 56, Norinco or Kalashnikov.

AK-47s and Illegal Firearms

The lack of detailed firearm data comes despite growing reports of AK style rifles being used in violent crimes, including cash-in-transit heists, political killings, and mass shootings. AK style automatic rifles are classified as prohibited weapons under the Firearms Control Act, making civilian ownership illegal. Only accredited collectors, museums, and film industry suppliers may obtain special licences, subject to strict conditions such as rendering the weapon incapable of firing live rounds.

RISE Mzansi argues that the inability to monitor specific weapon types undermines efforts to analyse crime trends and disrupt criminal networks. Gana said: “These guns should not be on the streets… We cannot build a safe, prosperous, equal and united South Africa for as long as criminals and other actors are in possession of dangerous weapons”.

Illegal Stockpile and Police Losses

It is estimated that South Africa has around two million illegal firearms in circulation. Concerns have been raised not only about criminal access to weapons but also about SAPS’s handling of its own stock. Between October 2023 and March 2024, police reported the loss or theft of 371 firearms and more than 29,000 rounds of ammunition.

There have also been documented cases of officers implicated in reselling confiscated firearms, some of which were later linked to gang violence and murders.

Steps Taken and Proposed

According to the Minister, SAPS has taken measures to tighten firearm control, including halting manual permit authorisations at border posts, expanding intelligence-led operations such as Operation Shanela, and increasing compliance inspections. Confiscated weapons are sent for ballistic analysis before being destroyed.

RISE Mzansi has called for expanded firearm amnesties, anonymous tip-off reward systems, harsher penalties for illegal possession, and stronger accountability for negligent loss of police-issued weapons. The party plans to raise the issue with the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Police.

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The suspects were apprehended on Monday, 28 July 2025, in Meyersdal, Johannesburg, during a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation led by a multi-disciplinary task team.

“The Committee commends the swift and collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including private security partners, whose actions not only led to a major seizure, but also disrupted the flow of illegal weapons that continue to fuel violent crime in our communities,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.

During the operation, police recovered 30 unlicensed 9mm firearms reportedly destined for the Western Cape.

Preliminary investigations have linked the suspects to a series of serious crimes committed in both Gauteng and the Western Cape. They are currently in custody and face multiple charges, including the illegal possession and trafficking of unlicensed firearms.

“Unlicensed and illegal firearms are not merely tools of violence; they are enablers of organised crime, murder, armed robbery, gender-based violence, and gang-related activities. Their widespread availability undermines public safety, erodes trust in law enforcement, and perpetuates cycles of violence and impunity.”

The Committee said it is concerned about the role illegal firearms play in high-profile and serial crimes.

“A notable example is the weapon used in the 2022 murder of popular musician DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards, which was later linked to at least 10 other murder cases across Gauteng and other provinces. This case illustrates the devastating impact of illegal firearms and the urgent need to dismantle the networks that distribute them.”

The committee said the arrest and seizure marks a critical milestone in the fight against organised crime and the illegal arms trade.

“The Committee views this operation as a decisive step toward preventing further criminal acts that could have resulted from the circulation of these weapons. In light of this breakthrough, the Committee reiterates its unwavering support for the call toward a Gun-Free South Africa.”

It further urged citizens to actively participate in efforts to rid communities of illegal firearms by surrendering unused, unlicensed, and unwanted guns to the relevant authorities.

“A safer society begins with collective action and shared responsibility,” it said.

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A high-speed chase ensued as the SAPS Flying Squad pursued the suspect. After a ‘determined effort’, officers successfully brought the vehicle to a stop. Upon searching the vehicle, a significant cache of high-caliber firearms and ammunition was discovered.

The seized items include:

• Eight AK-47 rifles
• One R1 rifle
• One R4 rifle
• One R5 rifle
• One pistol
• One revolver
• Two grenades
• Dozens of live ammunition rounds

“This successful operation is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of the SAPS Flying Squad in their ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of our communities,” the SAPS said. “The swift and decisive action taken by the officers has undoubtedly prevented these dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands, potentially saving lives and averting further harm.”

The suspect has been arrested and is facing charges related to the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they have been used in any previous criminal activities. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses.

The SAPS said it remains steadfast in its mission to remove illegal firearms from the streets and bring those responsible for such criminal activities to justice.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has commended the officers for their outstanding work. “Our Festive Season Operation is yielding positive results,” said the General. “This operation exemplifies the hard work and dedication of our members in keeping our communities safe.”

Meanwhile, the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie, also praised the police for their success. “I am pleased with the recovery of these dangerous weapons, especially following the recent launch of the highway patrol initiative in the province,” said the MEC.

“It is deeply concerning and alarming that such dangerous weapons were in the possession of criminals. This raises serious questions about the safety of our province, as we cannot yet know the intended destination or purpose of these firearms. We hope the arrested suspect will provide more insight into this matter,” he added.

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