Former top police officer: SA needs a specialised firearms investigation unit

Former top cop in the Western Cape, Jeremy Vearey said the government needs to bring back the Specialised Firearms Investigation Unit after the recent spate of tavern attacks raised concern over gun violence and the circulation of illegal firearms in the country.

In the latest attack, a 33-year-old man was killed in Mamelodi after three armed men stormed the Monaco tavern in the early hours of Tuesday morning and shot the victim twice.

This comes as authorities confirmed the death of a 16th victim of the mass shooting at Mdlalose’s tavern in Soweto last weekend.

Vearey who previously headed up the Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit said the state has lost the capability of tracing gun racketeers like in the case of former cop and convicted gun peddler, Chris Prinsloo.

“Through Prinsloo we proved that if you have a dedicated team that has nothing else but focus on closing a particular pipeline you can do it successfully. But then you can not be at the police station where you have 200 other dockets. To be part of this dedicated specialized focused throughout different provinces that go track the traffickers and build proper racketeering case”.

Prinsloo is serving an 18-year jail term after pleading guilty to stealing guns and ammunition destined for destruction and then reselling them to criminals.

The former Gauteng cop who was in charge of the police’s armoury stole more than 2,000 guns over a decade.

-EWN

In other news – Minnie Dlamini’s ‘evil’ look at Shauwn Mkhize leaves Mzansi talking – WATCH

Mzansi businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize and her son Andile Mpisane were partying it up this past weekend at Ntosifiso Garden in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga. She was joined by socialite Kefilwe Mabote and others to enjoy a homecoming hosted by Bafana Sindane.

Sharing what went down during the party, she posted a short video clip highlighting the entire night. We see her dancing and drinking the night away with her entourage and also hugging Pearl Thusi who was with Minnie Dlamini. Learn More