Gun Free SA wants interception of firearms supply chain to gang bosses

Gun Free South Africa (GFSA) believes the supply chain of firearms to gang bosses must be disrupted if the government is serious about curbing gang violence. 

Shootings in the Western Cape have continued unabated since the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed to gang hotspots three weeks ago.

The joint operation has yielded 21 arrests, mostly for possession drugs, illegal guns and ammunition.

ALSO READ: WC govt raises fresh concerns about effectiveness of SANDF deployment

GFSA director Stanley Maphosa said the government should be doing more to disrupt the supply chain that allows guns to reach gangs.

Maphosa added that after the recovery of firearms, they should be ballistically tested, and the public should be informed about their origins.

"Whether they originated from civilians, from the State or cross-border, that information must be put in the public arena."

Maphosa called for an audit of the State's firearm stockpiles and stricter control of legal firearms.