Western Cape police clamp down on firearm use April 01, 2003, 10:45
Police in the Western Cape have confiscated 48 firearms, a police issue bullet proof vest and several rounds of ammunition during an operation to clamp down on gang activities on the Cape Flats. The raid was part of the national campaign to reduce the use of firearms in the country.
Charles Nqakula, the Safety and Security Minister, says statistics have shown that most murders in the country are committed with the use of firearms. Nqakula says some of the weapons seized were from well-known criminals. More than 170 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from murder to illegal possession of firearms.
Nqakula also said several officials within the police department have been arrested for unlawful licensing of firearms. He will visit several gang infested areas including Manenberg and Mitchell's Plain later today.
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