BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has taken a decisive step towards ensuring the safety and security in the country by destroying 66 firearms on Wednesday (24 July 2024) at Police Academy in Matsapha.
Among the destroyed firearms were weapons used in criminal activities, unserviceable weapons, and firearms voluntarily surrendered by citizens. Out of the total 66 firearms destroyed, 43 were recovered from crime scenes, while the remaining 23 were government-owned weapons that were no longer serviceable.
It stated that this comprehensive initiative demonstrates REPS’s commitment to addressing the issue of illegal firearms from all angles, prioritizing both the removal of weapons linked to criminal activities and the disposal of obsolete firearms.
Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati emphasized the international significance of this occasion, stating that the destruction of firearms in July is a global effort to reduce the number of illicit weapons and promote public safety.
“The REPS’ initiative to destroy firearms falls in line with these international efforts, affirming the organization’s commitment to the global fight against gun violence and crime,” she said.
Vilakati highlighted the need for coordinated action worldwide to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms, underscoring the vital role that law enforcement agencies play in safeguarding communities and contributing to global peace.
Vilakati also announced REPS’s upcoming initiative to facilitate the safe surrender of firearms.
“We are working on picking a time when guns can be surrendered to the Royal Eswatini Police Service, but those who want to surrender them our doors are always open,” she said.
She encouraged the public to bring any firearms that they may possess whether illegal or legal but are and no longer in use to the REPS, emphasizing the importance of this act in creating a safer community.
