Police act on illegal arms

PRETORIA -- Strict measures are being taken here to control the carrying of firearms and the proliferation of illegal weapons, police said yesterday.

Area commissioner Amon Mashigo said the city's police officers would step up their daily, weekly and monthly firearm-related operations and raids.

Between January and August this year, 838 firearms were recovered in the capital. At least 375 illegal guns were confiscated during raids and crime prevention exercises, Mashigo said.

About 463 firearms were seized from lawful owners in terms of Section 11 and 12 of the Arms and Ammunition Act. Mashigo said police would ensure that the law was enforced accordingly. -- Sapa