Shongwe calls for a probe into the possession of firearms by foreign nationals

Shongwe calls for a probe into the possession of firearms by foreign nationals

Bvunzamutupo Reporter

Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe have called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province to investigate where and how foreign nationals, in particular those who own businesses in and around Pienaar get firearms. According to Shongwe, the probe should focus on both illegal and legally issued firearms.

Shongwe’s comments follow the arrest of five foreign nationals for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition yesterday, 4 March 2014. The suspects believed to be from Somalia and Ethiopia.

Their arrest follows an operation by the police in Pienaar after receiving information about foreign nationals who were allegedly firing shots at people who were protesting, vandalising and looting their shops in and around Pienaar. The suspects expected to appear in Kabokweni Magistrate Court today (5 March 2014).

The foreign nationals have initially told the MEC in one of the meetings held in Pienaar on Monday that some of them have firearms licenses and they are using those firearms to protect themselves and their business from constant attacks by locals.

Shongwe explained that possession of firearms by foreign nationals may exacerbate the problem of crime in Pienaar and in some instances lead to increased incidences of vigilantism in the area. The MEC has further called on the police to intensify its effort to rid illegal firearms in the communities as part of reducing violent crimes in the province.

“Police need to urgently investigate and determine the status and validity of the firearms and licenses of some of the foreign nationals in the area. Whilst we are grossly opposed to attacks on foreign nationals we cannot tolerate any acts of vigilantism whether by locals or foreign nationals,” Shongwe said.

The MEC has further applauded the police for swiftly arresting the five suspects and he has also pleaded with the prosecuting authority to ensure that the suspects face the full might of the law. He has further called on community members to report any mischief to the authorities so that appropriate actions aken against those who implicated in any wrong doing.

Meanwhile the MEC has called on citizens to refrain from taking law into their own hands by attacking foreign nationals but rather to co-operate with the law enforcement agencies.

“Both foreign nationals and South Africans should not perpetuate crime but they should work with the police at all times in order ensure that the province is crime free,” concluded Shongwe.