Speaker Notes by the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, at the Firearm Destruction at Cape Gate Steel Vanderbajlpark on Wednesday 9 July 2025

Programme Director;
Deputy National Commissioners present;
Divisional Commissioners Present;
Senior Officers;
Members of the media;

Good Morning,

Today, we are addressing the media from Vanderbajlpark where we are executing one of our sensitive and high risk operations of firearm destruction.

As we witness the cleansing flame consume these instruments of violence and crime; weapons seized from criminals.  We enact a powerful symbol, the destruction of that which threatens the safety of our communities and business confidence which directly impacts the economic growth of the country.

But this act of firearm destruction takes place against a backdrop that demands more than symbolism; it demands candor and resolve. The recent revelations of division and other serious allegations within our ranks have struck at the heart of the South African Police Service and, indeed, the heart of our nation's trust.

Let me be unequivocal, the current state of affairs is unprecedented, concerning, unfortunate and requires uncompromised intervention, to restore public trust and stability in the organisation.

We acknowledge and fully welcome the commitment made by his excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa; to elevate and prioritise this matter on his return from international travel.

Members of the media, we are ready to brief the President and wish to undoubtably reaffirm the operational independence of the South African Police Service, and the resolve to uphold the Constitution of the Republic and enforce the law, according to Section 205(3) of the South African Constitution outlines the core functions of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

These functions include preventing, combating, and investigating crime; maintaining public order; protecting and securing inhabitants and their property; and upholding and enforcing the law. Essentially, it defines the broad mandate of the police force in South Africa. 

Meanwhile, Section 207(2) of the South African Constitution states that the National Commissioner of the Police Service must control and manage the police service in accordance with the national policing policy and the directions of the Cabinet member responsible for policing. This means the National Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day operations and overall management of the police force, while adhering to national policy guidelines and directives from the Minister of Police that are consistent to the section 205 (3) of the constitution as stated above.

Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you today not to dwell on divisions, but to forge unity. I pledge to you, the people of South Africa, and to every dedicated member of this service, that we will strive for unity in the police service. Together, we will root out any force, internal or external, that seeks to fracture us or compromise our sacred duty.

The SAPS is not factional property; it is the guardian of every South African's safety and security. Our focus, our unity, and our unwavering commitment must be singular; it is to serve and protect the citizens of this country. That is our covenant, and that is the resolve you see burning brightly here today as we conclude the firearm destruction.

FIREARM DESTRUCTION

Today marks a critical milestone in our relentless campaign to reclaim our streets from the scourge of illegal firearms. Here in Vanderbijlpark, we witness the destruction of 12,499 firearms - weapons that once fueled terror, now reduced to scrap. This act is not symbolic; it is a strategic blow against the violence that threatens our nation’s soul. 

Earlier this year, in February we destroyed  16049 firearms. Including today’s operation, the total number of firearms and parts obliterated by SAPS over the past five years stands at 291 993. Each one represents a potential life saved, a family spared from grief, and a community fortified against chaos.

With the firearms that we are destroying today, Gauteng brought in the majority of firearms with 5099 followed by Western Cape with 2333, KZN with 1574, 1432 firearms were from the Eastern Cape and 460 from the Free State.

Limpopo brought in 343 and Mpumalanga contributed 519 each of these firearms while North West contributed 417 and Northern Cape 322.

From April 2019 to date, a total of 292 092 firearms have been destroyed through our firearm destruction operations.

Firearms remain the most preferred weapon used in serious and violent crime ( murder and attempted murder) and that’s why it’s important to ensure we remove them permanently of our streets. Especially in high crime provinces namely Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu - Natal and Eastern Cape.

Through operation Shanela, we are seizing no less than 100 firearms per week. In the last seven days, 106 firearms were seized, in the previous week, 115 firearms were seized and the week before that 102 firearms were seized.

We remain resolute and focused on our targetted operations to completely remove these firearms from the hands of communities especially young people.

OPERATION SHANELA

Our high density operations continue to yield the desired results.  We are forever grateful that within our ranks, we have dedicated members that are equal to task.

As we all know alchohol is the biggest contributor when it comes to, main causes of contact crimes such as serious and violent crime including assaults , sexual offences and murders.

From the beginning of the new financial year starting 01 April 2025 to date, 4669 unlicensed liquor premises have been shut down in the country.

With firearms being the biggest contributor of murders in the country, it is encouraging to note that 1586 illegal firearms have been removed off our streets in the last three months.

A total of 210 532 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, rape, assault GBH, the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The following arrests were made from 01 April to date:

30 392 suspects were found to be in possession of drugs

11 217 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alchohol or drugs

3290 dealing in drugs

Illegal dealing in liquor 9 487

Murder 2 225

Attempted murder 1819

2611 suspects arrested for rape

In terms of seizure , 626 explosives used mostly in cash in transit heists,  atm bombings and illegal mining have been seized.

A total of 907 hijacked and or stolen vehicles have also been recovered within our borders during this period.

GBVF

As part of the ongoing government led campaign against Gender Based Violence and Femicide. Between April and May, 416 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to time in prison.

57 were handed down life sentences.

43 were handed down 20 years and above.

123 were handed down sentences ranging between 10 and 19 years.

While 193 were handed down 1 to 9 years in prison.

The above sentences and cases were not all committed during this period but they were all finalised during this specified reporting period.

CRIME INTELLIGENCE

Crime intelligence remains a cornerstone of the South African Police Service (SAPS), essential for proactively identifying criminal networks, preventing organized crime, and guiding resource allocation to safeguard national security. Its effectiveness directly impacts the SAPS's ability to combat escalating crime threats.

Following the arrest of the Divisional Commissioner for Crime intelligence, Lt General Khumalo and 6 others on Thursday 26 June 2025.  To date, the Human Resources Division of the police have processed the matter, in line with SAPS disciplinary regulations of 2016, all seven senior officers have been temporarily transferred within the organisation; pending more information to conclude internal processes.

With that said, Ladies and gentlemen, let me take this opportunity to announce the acting Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence, Major General Solomon Makgato.

Major General Makgato is the current Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) also known as the HAWKS in the Western Cape. He brings to this position a wealth of experience and knowledge in the intelligence and detective space with 36 years service in both environments.

He holds a BTech degree in Policing as well as a National Diploma in Police Administration.

We have full confidence in Major General Makgato, and we trust that his leadership will enhance efficiency and maintain stability with crime intelligence.

In conclusion ladies and gentlemen we remain resolute maintaining the SAPS's integrity, unity, and effectiveness. For us as management, this is a pivotal moment. We will be judged by our resolve, our adherence to the law, and our unwavering commitment to service.

We have full confidence in the vast majority of SAPS members who serve with honor every day.  We draw strength from their daily commitment and exemplary service to communities.

We stand united, and we will act decisively within the law, and prove to South Africa that the SAPS remains steadfast in its mission to Serve and Protect.

I thank you.