Disarmed Guns, Not Just Laws, Seen as Key to Tackling Gangsterism

Disarmed Guns, Not Just Laws, Seen as Key to Tackling Gangsterism

South Africa’s fight against gangs isn’t just about chasing criminals it’s also about dealing with the tools of violence. Experts and civil society believe that to defeat gangsterism, the country must crack down hard on illegal firearms, strengthen oversight, and make gun control more than just promises.

Minister’s New Strategy Under the Microscope

Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has recently announced an anti-gang policy focused on stopping the flow of illegal firearms into gang-ridden areas, especially in the Western Cape, a province deeply affected by gang violence. He has suggested more than just policing on the ground: measures include:

• Removing firearms stock from SAPs armories in gang-heavy zones and relocating or securing them elsewhere.

• Prioritising ballistic testing of all state-held firearms.

• Introducing rigorous auditing of all firearm stocks, including those held by private security firms.

• Considering rewards for those who provide information leading to the seizure of illegal weapons and successful prosecutions.

The Toll of Gang Violence

The numbers are alarming. In just six months from April to September police recorded nearly 490 gang-related murders in the Western Cape alone. During that period:

• Almost 120 young people under age 18 were shot.

• Of them, 23 died, while many others were injured.

• Five of the fatalities were children under 14.

Civil Society Weighs In

Groups like Gun Free SA welcome the minister’s strategy, but with caution. Claire Taylor, policy analyst for the group, praised the emphasis on disarming gangs and said:

• Gangs depend heavily on guns to operate and maintain power. Cut off the firearms supply chain, and you significantly weaken them.

• Licensed guns leaking into criminal hands are a serious problem. Regulation doesn’t just stop at illegal guns it must include tracking, auditing, and securing licensed weapons.

Meanwhile, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) added that focusing on smuggling across borders is essential. Many illegal firearms reportedly originate outside South Africa either stolen or trafficked in and get into gang hands through porous borders.

What Must Change: More Than Policing

Some experts say it’s not enough to send in more patrols. What’s needed includes:

• Intelligence-led policing that traces how guns get from legal owners into gangs.

• Strong accountability of licensed gun holders and private security companies to ensure they don’t lose or leak weapons.

• Regular audits of all firearm stores state and private.

• Community cooperation, including monetary incentives for helpful tips.

A Fresh Perspective: Disarmament as Foundation

When guns are readily available, law enforcement responds, people die, and communities lose. But if the supply of firearms is controlled if leaking stock is found, smuggling routes are disrupted, licensed weapons are accounted for gang violence loses its edge.

In many places around South Africa, community trust in policing is fragile. Showing action seizing guns, prosecuting those responsible, securing armories could help rebuild that trust.

{Source: TheCitizen}

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