More than 3,400 South African Police Service (SAPS) firearms have been lost or stolen over the past five years, with the vast majority still unaccounted for, according to a recent parliamentary question and answer session.
During the session it was revealed that between 2019 and 2024, only 559 of the missing weapons have been recovered, meaning thousands of police-issued firearms remain in circulation, potentially in criminal hands.
According to findings of the Democratic Alliance (DA), who posed crucial questions on this issue, most of the losses occurred through robbery and theft rather than negligence, suggesting organised criminals targeting police officers.
Ian Cameron, DA deputy spokesperson on police, expressed concern that many of these weapons are now being used in violent crimes including robbery, assault, and murder.
“This exposes a serious failure in SAPS’ management of firearms,” Cameron said in a media release.
The revelations come as Parliament considers the Firearms Control Amendment Bill, which would tighten restrictions on civilian gun ownership. The DA has announced it will oppose the legislation, arguing it unfairly targets law-abiding citizens while failing to address systemic issues within the police service.
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The party claims the bill would give the Minister of Police extensive powers over civilian firearm licensing, potentially leaving ordinary citizens unable to defend themselves while criminals remain armed with stolen police weapons.
Adding to concerns, SAPS has refused to disclose which police stations, clusters, or ranks are most affected by firearm losses, citing “security concerns.” The DA argues this lack of transparency prevents meaningful accountability and action to prevent weapons falling into criminal hands.
The opposition party has outlined a multi-pronged approach to fight the proposed legislation including parliamentary opposition to the bill, a nationwide public awareness campaign and potential court action to defend citizens’ rights to self-defence.
The firearm losses highlight ongoing challenges within SAPS, including concerns about corruption and the reported collapse of the Central Firearms Register. Critics argue that addressing these internal issues should take priority over restricting civilian gun ownership.
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