Lauren Tracey is a Sarah Meek Fellow at the Arms Management Programme, ISS Thswane (Pretoria)

Statistics in the South African Police Service (SAPS) 2007-2008 annual report indicate that the numbers of illegally used firearms that have been reported lost or stolen have decreased compared to the previous financial year. This has perpetuated a trend that started in 1999.

The annual report further indicated that there has been an increase in the number of recovered firearms in the 2007/08 financial year. Both positive developments can be linked to the establishment of the Firearms Control Act (2000), which introduced more rigorous firearm control processes and procedures in South Africa, as well as specific policing operations. This act replaced the Arms and Ammunition Act (1969).

 Many firearm control civil society groups, as well as many individuals have identified the establishment of the Firearms Control Act in South Africa, as a constructive attempt by government to decrease the number of firearms in circulation, as well as to stop small arms-related deaths. For instance, of the approximately 20,000 murder victims in 2007, almost half had died as a result of firearms. However, the implementation of this act (and the implications thereof) has been widely criticized by individuals and pro-firearm organizations such as the South African Gun owners Association (SAGA), the Gun Owners of South Africa (GoSA) and hunting associations. These organizations and groups see the Firearms Control Act as undermining the ability of South Africans to defend themselves. Many such groups have questioned the impact that the Act will have on curbing violent crime in South Africa.

 The Firearm Control Act compelled licensed firearm owners to re-apply for their firearm licenses, which included more stringent testing and background checks. The relicensing process was concluded at the end of March this year, and has resulted in thousands of firearms being handed-in to the SAPS. However, pro-firearm groups have raised concerns over the security of the impounded firearms.

 Earlier this year, in response to a parliamentary question posed by the opposition political party, Democratic Alliance, the Ministry of Safety and Security indicated that some 8,286 firearms, which had been recovered by the SAPS, had subsequently been lost, stolen or otherwise misplaced. These include weapons such as pistols, shotguns, rifles and revolvers. It was further indicated that less than 900 of these weapons had been recovered. Though these figures have been disputed by some sources within the SAPS they nevertheless highlight some of the challenges the SAPS continues to face regarding the implementation of the Firearms Control Act.

 It has been reported that in the coming months the SAPS will implement a series of measures to collect and recover thousands of unlicensed and unlawful firearms. Effectively securing and disposing of these firearms is an essential to preventing an increase in firearm related crime in South Africa and neighbouring countries.