By Obakeng Maje

 The North West Executive Council (Exco) has commented police for the recovery of 606 firearms and 7 486 rounds of ammunition. According to Annual Crime Statistics presented to Exco by the Provincial Management of the South African Police Service recently, the illegal firearms were recovered from the hands of criminals in 479 incidents during the 2011/2012 financial year.In calling to communities to work closer with police and for the partnership against crime to be strengthened, Premier Thandi Modise said that without the support of communities, police cannot win the war against crime.

 

“Though the recovery of the firearms contributed significantly towards reduction of crime, the onslaught against crime has to be sustained and intensified on all fronts to ensure that criminals are uprooted from our communities. Law abiding citizens should not live in fear whilst criminals are roaming our streets.” said Premier Modise.

 

One hundred and thirteen murders, 2354 robberies and 409 incidents of attempted murder were committed with the use of firearms during the past financial year. 

 

   Exco