The Scaw Metals Group, in partnership with the SAPS, destroyed over 30 tons of illegal firearms at Scaw Metals Group\u2019s Union Junction facilities, in Germiston, recently.<\/p>\n
The destruction was in line with crime prevention being among the top priorities for the SAPS.<\/p>
Scaw’s CEO, Markus Hannemann, said they were honoured to host the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are proud of being able to make a difference towards building a safer South Africa,\u201d he explained.<\/p>
\u201cThis is a great initiative the SAPS are undertaking.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether with the SAPS, we have, indeed, highlighted the importance of what can happen when we work together to improve our society.<\/p>\n
\u201cScaw Metals will continue leading, as an example to the steel industry on how vital it is to work in partnership, to achieve positive growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Director at Gun Free South Africa, Ad\u00e8le Kirsten, also emphasised the need to destroy the firearms.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of us know of someone who has been shot and killed, how could we not when every day 16 people are shot and killed in this country?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirearms are used to kill; they kill men, women, children, old and young, police officers, taxi drivers, security guards and business owners, and many more.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuns are also used to threaten and intimidate and they cause enormous physical and emotional trauma.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kirsten added that destroying the guns is another way to remember those who have lost their lives to gun violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cDestroying these weapons is one way to also honour those who continue to live with the pain and trauma of having survived, to honour their courage and resilience,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe destruction takes these weapons out of circulation and helps make our communities safer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a visible sign of success, because not one of these guns is ever going to fire a bullet or take another life.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one in this country is immune to gun violence, we have all been affected, let us do more to make our communities safer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieut-Gen Kgomotso Phahlane said firearms have claimed the lives of members of the SAPS.<\/p>\n