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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System --------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 10 Jun 2005 Title: More than 80 000 weapons handed in --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- By Karen Pretorius (021) 461 8145 Cape Town - Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula today announced that 80 147 firearms have been collected so far during the firearms amnesty. The amnesty period, which expires on 30 June, is not likely to be extended, he said. The amnesty is aimed at reducing the number of illegal firearms in circulation in the country and has already been extended, from 1 April to 30 June. Mr Nqakula today briefed Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security on gun control in the country. "Any firearm that is taken out of circulation saves lives and it stops the commission of crime using firearms," he said. Mr Nqakula told the committee that the firearms amnesty has also - so far - netted 106 hand grenades, 23 rifle grenades and 24 mortars. "There are other South Africans who gave us anti-tank missiles, anti-tank grenades and aircraft rockets. But where are the launchers?" he asked. "This is what some South Africans are keeping in their homes or elsewhere," the minister said. Mr Nqakula said the amnesty period is "working" but said it was unlikely it would be extended. - BuaNews |
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