Parliament’s police committee chairperson Ian Cameron says state-owned firearms are reaching criminals in South Africa.

Speaking during an interview with BizNews TV, Cameron argued that this could happen intentionally or through failures within government systems.

He cited South African Police Service data showing that 41 297 murders were committed with illegal or unlicensed firearms over four financial years.

During the same period, he said 393 people were killed with legally licensed firearms.

Cameron used the figures to argue that the government’s focus on lawful firearm owners was misplaced.

State firearms linked to murders

According to Cameron, 166 of the murders involving illegal weapons were committed using firearms that had previously belonged to the state.

“The state itself very often, whether intentionally or not, provides firearms to illicit firearm networks or illicit firearm owners,” he said.

The figures and Cameron’s interpretation were presented during the interview. The supplied report did not include a detailed breakdown showing how the firearms left state control or entered criminal networks.

Cameron said the data showed that illegal weapons presented a far greater threat than firearms held by licensed owners.

Gun laws criticised

Cameron criticised organisations that campaign for stricter gun laws, including Gun Free South Africa.

He also referred to previous attempts to amend firearm legislation during Bheki Cele’s tenure as police minister.

Cameron accused some government officials of pursuing a political agenda aimed at disarming lawful citizens and concentrating power in the state.

“The government’s obsession with targeting lawful gun owners is entirely misplaced and politically motivated,” he said.

Criminal networks remain major concern

Cameron argued that tighter restrictions on licensed firearm owners would not address illegal arms trafficking or organised crime.

He warned that law-abiding people could become more vulnerable where police and other security services fail to protect communities.

Cameron compared the risks to areas in other countries where organised criminal groups have gained significant control.

However, the supplied report did not include a response from the government, SAPS or Gun Free South Africa to Cameron’s claims.

His comments add to the wider debate over firearm ownership, gun control and the state’s ability to prevent police and military weapons from reaching criminals.