The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng, together with other law enforcement agencies, has recovered over 400 firearms and 6 000 live rounds of ammunition during the month of January.

All these firearms and ammunition were recovered through different crime prevention actions, including Operation Shanela intelligence-driven operations, daily patrols, stop and searches, and vehicle checkpoints.

On 9 January, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted by members of Springs Crime Prevention at Everest informal settlement after receiving a tip-off from members of the community.

The identified premises was searched and a firearm with ammunition was found hidden inside a bin containing rice. A 20-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and the unlawful possession of ammunition.

In another incident, Edenvale officers were conducting regular patrol duties when they arrested three suspects found in possession of two firearms with filed off serial numbers.

“One firearm
removed from the wrong hands means a lot because it could have been used to take a life or destroy one’s property.

“The efforts and commitment of the police to remove illegal and unlicensed firearms with ammunition from the streets are greatly appreciated,” said Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.

He thanked community members for their support and involvement in fighting crime by reporting criminal activities and giving tip-offs, as some of the successes are through information received from the public.

Mawela said firearms remain the weapon of choice in serious and violent crimes committed in Gauteng. He stressed that efforts will continue to be made to curb the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed firearms in the province.

Crime can be reported on the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 and anonymous tip-offs can be given via the MySAPS App, which can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information received is treated as strictly confidential.

Source: South African Governmen
t News Agency

93 women who are victims of violence and mothers of 240 children have received approval letters to receive funds and equipment to start projects as part of the economic empowerment programme for women in vulnerable situations and victims of violence “Samida”, Minister of Family, Women, Children and the Elderly Amal Belhaj Moussa said on Tuesday.

Speaking to the women who will receive the funds, the minister pointed out that “these letters represent the first batch within the framework of the Samida programme.”

They «aim to consolidate the resilience of women victims of violence, develop their financial capabilities, increase their autonomy and help them overcome their vulnerabilities as part of a government policy,” she added.

Belhaj Moussa noted that 60% of women victims of violence are unemployed or do not have a stable job, stressing that the beneficiaries who received the approval letters will be registered on the number 1899 dedicated to reporting cases of violence.

Head of the programme to combat v
iolence against women at the Ministry and coordinator of the “Samida” programme, Hanène Benzarti, stressed that 93 of the approved projects cover most of the governorates of the Republic of Tunisia and several activities (services, tourism, crafts, technology and agriculture).

The head of the General Directorate for Women and Families, Wijdane Ben Ayed, said that the beneficiaries come from 17 governorates in the north, centre and south of Tunisia and are between 20 and 60 years old.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse