Almost 4 000 rounds of Saps ammunition lost or stolen per month

The South African Police Service (Saps) has lost or stolen nearly 4,000 rounds of ammunition each month over the past four years, according to a recent parliamentary response. In total, 2,346 Saps firearms were stolen and 177 reported lost during the same period, along with 19,920 rounds of ammunition. The most common types of weapons lost or stolen included 9mm pistols, R5 shotguns, 12-gauge shotguns, R1 pistols, a target rifle, and a grenade launcher.

Other firearms lost or stolen included 66 R5s and 19 12-gauge shotguns. Additionally, 194,920 rounds of ammunition were lost or stolen at a rate of over 3,800 rounds per month.

The police ministry had implemented measures to address the issue, with numbers improving in each of the four financial years. Police officers were required to use firearm retention mechanisms and store firearms and ammunition in approved safes or strong rooms. Regular inspections and certification processes were conducted to enhance accountability and traceability.

Despite these efforts, 41 Saps officers were among the 893 suspects arrested in connection with the theft of police weaponry, but less than 10% of those arrested resulted in a guilty conviction. Of the 80 convictions, 41 were police members themselves.

Many of the stolen firearms, including at least 63 due to negligence and at least eight linked to subsequent crimes, are now being used in violent crimes such as robbery, assault, and murder. Police portfolio committee chair Ian Cameron stated that the problem lies in mismanagement, corruption, and the collapse of the central firearms register.