Pressure is mounting on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to hold senior officers accountable for the mysterious disappearance of 15 firearms and eight imitation guns from Mitchell’s Plain police station, a case that has sent shockwaves through both the police force and the community. A year after the incident, the fallout continues as five junior officers have been dismissed, raising serious questions about the role senior management played in the security breach.
One of the dismissed officers, speaking anonymously, shared a startling account of the events leading up to the theft. According to the officer, the chain of command was clear: a Captain had given specific instructions for one officer to transport the firearms and ammunition to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Plattekloof once a week. The officer who allegedly stole the firearms was simply carrying out these orders. Yet, it was the Constable and Sergeant who followed these instructions who were fired, while the Captain who issued them remained at the station, seemingly untouched.
“How is this fair?” the officer asked, clearly frustrated by the disparity in the treatment of junior and senior staff. “We were fired, and you know what damage it caused to our families? We have homes, policies, and things that need to be paid. They did this to get rid of us.”
The situation raises grave concerns about accountability within the SAPS. While the five junior officers were dismissed, senior officers involved in the case have either been transferred or issued warnings. Brigadier Jan Alexander, a senior officer, was moved to Bellville police station during the investigation. Meanwhile, the officer who allegedly instructed the junior officers to transport the exhibits has only received a warning. For many, this lack of serious consequences for senior staff is a reflection of broader systemic issues within the force.
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais, has expressed her concern, emphasizing that senior commanders should be held responsible if found negligent or complicit in the firearms theft. Marais has pledged to take the matter up with SAPS management, underscoring the importance of accountability at all levels of the police service. “We are aware of this case, which we are monitoring,” she said. “Theft of firearms, especially those under the control of the SAPS, is a huge concern.”
The Cape Flats Safety Forum, led by chairperson Abie Isaacs, has been vocal in demanding accountability. Last year, the forum, alongside other community organizations, staged a protest at Mitchell’s Plain police station, calling for the removal of station management and a thorough investigation. A memorandum of demands was submitted, which included a call for the replacement of senior officers and an investigation into the missing firearms. However, nearly a year later, community members are still in the dark about the outcomes of the investigation. The forum has expressed concern that while junior officers have faced consequences, senior management remains largely unscathed.
In an environment where firearms are so easily stolen or lost, the implications for public safety are dire. Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie confirmed that Detective Constable Lubabalo Malongwe continues to appear in court in connection with the missing firearms, but as of yet, the investigation has not yielded the level of accountability that many had hoped for.
The case also highlights a worrying trend within the SAPS. In a report released by Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu’s office, it was revealed that between October 2023 and March 2024, 371 police firearms, including 17 assault rifles, had either gone missing or been stolen. This includes 350 pistols, 12 R5 rifles, five R1 rifles, and four shotguns. The loss of so many weapons raises critical questions about the integrity of SAPS’ security protocols and the ability of senior management to prevent such breaches.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Minister’s office has considered implementing tracking devices on police firearms to prevent further thefts. However, for many residents of Mitchell’s Plain and other communities affected by crime, the priority is clear: senior officers must be held to account. Without decisive action, the trust between the police and the public will continue to erode, leaving the community vulnerable to further exploitation by criminals with access to stolen weapons.
As the investigation continues, the demand for transparency grows. The community, and indeed the nation, is watching closely to see if the SAPS will truly address the leadership failures that allowed this breach to happen, or if those responsible will continue to evade meaningful consequences. The stakes have never been higher, and the pressure on senior management to demonstrate accountability has never been greater.
