In a significant crackdown on illegal firearms, the National Tracking and Tracing Task Team, under the newly established Operation Buyisa, has confiscated 226 firearms from a registered private security company following the discovery of serious breaches of the Firearms Control Act.
The operation, which unfolded over several weeks, targeted the security company after intelligence identified systemic failures in its management of licensed weapons. The Firearms Control Act mandates strict obligations for safe storage, proper authorization, and full accountability of all firearms by license holders.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the South African Police Service (SAPS) national spokesperson, the core of the investigation took place at the company’s business premises in Krugersdorp. There, police seized over 200 registered firearms, along with two unlicensed weapons, leading to the arrest of the company’s designated “responsible person.”
Further seizures were made across the country, highlighting the breadth of the contraventions. A rifle was recovered from an unauthorized individual in Lephalale, Limpopo, and 11 more firearms were seized in Makhado for unsafe storage practices, all in violation of the Act.
Lt. Col. van Wyk emphasized that Operation Buyisa, launched just a month ago, is not specifically targeting security companies but is a broader initiative to combat the proliferation of both unlicensed firearms and ammunition in circulation, as well as the misuse of licensed weapons.
“This particular security company was identified through our intelligence for contravening the act,” van Wyk stated. “The strides we are making are significant. Preliminary investigations have already linked the seized firearms to several serious crimes, including cash-in-transit robberies, the attempted murder of police officials in 2016, and armed robberies.”
The identified “responsible person” for the company, whose profile was not disclosed, has been arrested and will face charges for the possession of unlicensed firearms. van Wyk confirmed that additional charges for contravening the Firearms Control Act are expected as the investigation continues. She also noted that five firearms were seized from security officials in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, for discharging and pointing firearms, and they too will face charges.
“It sends a message to responsible individuals in security companies that they must abide by the Firearms Control Act,” van Wyk warned. “We are coming for more firearms.”
The operation remains ongoing, with police actively following other intelligence leads concerning individuals and companies allegedly contravening the law. The case against the arrested individual is set to be brought before the court.