Abstract
The South African government has consistently stated that peace and security in the Southern African region and on the African continent must remain a top priority. This progressive attitude toward regional security is evident in South Africa's approach to the control of small arms and light weapons at a national, regional and international level. This article examines the firearm destruction policies and processes of the South African Police Service (SAPS). It analyses the positive effects and the negative outcomes of the decision to decentralise firearm destruction to provincial level.
Highlights
The importance of disposing of surplus small arms, light weapons and explosives is nowhere better illustrated than by the tragedy of the explosions at the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) ammunition storage facility in Laulane, a suburb of Mozambique's capital city, Maputo, on 22 March 2007
Compliance with international standards and norms may include measures such as the destruction of surplus and redundant arms and ammunition stockpiles belonging to the state, as well as the recovery and confiscation of weaponry illicitly held by civilians
Endorsed by all African leaders at the Organisation of African Unity summit on 11 July 2001, New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) recognises that combating the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons is one of the important conditions needed to place African countries, both individually and collectively, on a path of sustainable growth and development
Summary
The South African government has consistently stated that peace and security in the Southern African region and on the African continent must remain a top priority. The importance of disposing of surplus small arms, light weapons and explosives is nowhere better illustrated than by the tragedy of the explosions at the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) ammunition storage facility in Laulane, a suburb of Mozambique's capital city, Maputo, on 22 March 2007 This blast, which killed more than 100 people and injured many more, took place at Mozambique's largest storage facility, containing thousands of tonnes of armaments and explosives. In February 2001, an explosion following a fire in a military armoury in the centre of Yaoundé disrupted citizens' lives and caused panic throughout the city (BBC News February 2001) These tragic events demonstrate the need for increased and more effective management of weapons arsenals. According to Adrian Wilkinson (2007:129) of the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for SALW Control (SEESAC), an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Stability Pact, at least 153 ammunition depot explosions occurred globally between 1995 and 2007, killing more than 2 500 people and injuring over 4 000
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