Elisha Molefe
Elisha Molefe
The DA in North West said it was concerned about the number of firearms in the possession of municipalities in the province.
The party warned these weapons could end up in wrong hands.
Frans Vilakazi, Community Safety MEC recently told the provincial legislature that six of the 17 municipalities that are licensed to keep firearms had had weapons stolen.
He said 10 firearms were stolen from Maquassi Hills, four from Tswaing and three each from Naledi and Central District.
At Zeerust, two firearms had been stolen and at Southern District, one was stolen.
It also emerged that the 17 municipalities in North West owned 557 firearms.
Chris Hatting, DA leader in North West, said: "This is about the same number of small arms that one would find in an infantry battalion."
The party said municipalities did not need such arsenals and that they should follow the initiative of the Tswaing municipality, which had handed in 13 firearms to be destroyed.
When asked to comment, James Moche Community Safety Department spokesman said all enquiries about stolen firearms should be directed to the SAPS
Spokesman Superintendent Peter du Plessis was not available for comment.
DA hits out at glut of guns in NW
Elisha Molefe
Elisha Molefe
The DA in North West said it was concerned about the number of firearms in the possession of municipalities in the province.
The party warned these weapons could end up in wrong hands.
Frans Vilakazi, Community Safety MEC recently told the provincial legislature that six of the 17 municipalities that are licensed to keep firearms had had weapons stolen.
He said 10 firearms were stolen from Maquassi Hills, four from Tswaing and three each from Naledi and Central District.
At Zeerust, two firearms had been stolen and at Southern District, one was stolen.
It also emerged that the 17 municipalities in North West owned 557 firearms.
Chris Hatting, DA leader in North West, said: "This is about the same number of small arms that one would find in an infantry battalion."
The party said municipalities did not need such arsenals and that they should follow the initiative of the Tswaing municipality, which had handed in 13 firearms to be destroyed.
When asked to comment, James Moche Community Safety Department spokesman said all enquiries about stolen firearms should be directed to the SAPS
Spokesman Superintendent Peter du Plessis was not available for comment.