Buy an illegal gun for R200 in Alexandra

by Adel van Niekerk
The Institute of Security Studies (ISS) says it's surprised by the outcome of an investigation by SABC Radio News, revealing that numerous illegal back yard gun dealers are in operation in South Africa.

The investigation also uncovered that high calibre guns, including AK 47's, are readily available for less than a R1 000 from these dealers.

Police confident
Meanwhile the national police service has reacted to the investigation, expressing its confidence in existing police operations to deal with illegal firearms in South Africa and ensuring the safety of the country's citizens.

Up to 4 million illegal guns are possibly in circulation at this very moment in South Africa and many of these weapons can be bought for as little as R200, as the SABC investigation revealed.

The report identified a buyer who arranged a meeting with an illegal dealer in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg after a single phone call. Within 15 minutes after arrival, the dealer offered an AK 47 for R700, a 9mm pistol for R450 and an Astra 6.35 for a mere R200, including ammunition.

Violent crime
Analysts believe this illicit gun trade has fed the growth of violent crime in recent times, in particular armed robberies. Dealers that were made contact with also confirmed that there have been increased requests for higher calibre guns, like AK 47's. Police statistics show that these weapons are often used during cash in transit heists. Noel Stott of the ISS's was initially taken aback by the findings of the investigation. He says most recent research indicated that the problem has been slowly declining.

The majority of illegal weapons in circulation in South Africa are believed to be stolen. Between 2000 and 2005, 100 000 firearms were reported lost or stolen in South Africa - amounting to 20 000 per annum, or 55 a day.

A proportion of these weapons belonged to police officers or the national defence force.