158 firearms theft at Gauteng police station back in the spotlight

The 158 firearms stolen at the Norwood Police Station evidence room in 2021 are back in the spotlight.

158 FIREARMS THEFT BACK IN SPOTLIGHT

This as the Portfolio Committee on Police called for a comprehensive investigation into the theft of firearms from Norwood Police Station.

The committee made the call during a visit to the police station on Friday, as part of its two-day oversight visit to Gauteng to assess the province’s plans to fight crime.

This comes after a report revealed that 158 firearms had been stolen from the police station’s evidence room in 2021.

Committee chairperson, Tina Joemat-Pettersson said the theft of 158 firearms from the police station was disconcerting.

“Especially in light of the drive to rid the streets of illegal firearms.”  

The committee highlighted the need for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the perpetrators of the theft to ensure accountability.” 

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The committee welcomed the action by Gauteng Police Commissioner, Elias Mawela, in dealing with the firearms theft at the station.

It also applauded the appointment of a new management team at the station, saying it is hopeful that they will assist in getting to the bottom of the matter.

INTENSIFY OPS AIMED AT RETRIEVING STOLEN FIREARMS

The committee highlighted the need to intensify operations aimed at retrieving the stolen firearms to prevent them from being used in committing crimes in the country.

It also underscored the need for multidisciplinary law enforcement agencies to collaborate with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations in order to speedily finalize investigations.

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The committee further urged the Police management to earnestly work towards resolving the challenges at the Central Firearms Registry (CFR), which continues to face various challenges.

“A functional CFR is central to ensuring that the SAPS can manage the firearms regime in the country.”  

“The committee will continue to focus its oversight over the CFR to ensure optimum functionality,” 

On Saturday, the committee visited Tembisa Police Station, which has repeatedly appeared among the list of top 30 police stations where most crimes are reported.

During the visit, the committee interacted with the Provincial Commissioner, station management team, and community policing forums.