Police Minister Bheki Cele has announced that a police officer has been arrested for stealing 15 firearms from the Mitchells Plain police station in Cape Town.
The incident highlights a concerning trend of firearm thefts at police stations in recent years. According to Cele, a total of 350 firearms have been stolen from police stations in the last four years.
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The stolen firearms were taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Platekloof for analysis by the police officer in question.
However, the firearms were not properly booked in at the FSL, and the acknowledgement receipt from the laboratory was not returned to the Mitchells Plain police station. As a result, a criminal case was registered, and the officer was arrested, charged, and made a first appearance in court on November 27, 2023.
While the officer faces legal proceedings, internal disciplinary action has also been taken against them. Both criminal and internal investigations are currently pending, and the details of the investigation and court proceedings cannot be disclosed to ensure the integrity of the outcome.
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The incident has raised concerns about the security of firearms within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Minister Cele has acknowledged the need for additional measures to combat the theft of firearms and the increase in violent crime. Efforts are being made to employ more officers to strengthen law enforcement and enhance public safety.
The theft of firearms from police stations is a serious matter that undermines public trust in the police force. It is crucial that robust measures are implemented to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the responsible handling and storage of firearms within the SAPS.
