Firearms and ammunition seized during April were reportedly left in evidence rooms at several Cape Town police stations instead of being sent for forensic testing.

The exhibits were being held in SAPS 13 stores, which are secure rooms used to store evidence. They reportedly included prohibited firearms, homemade “zip guns”, live ammunition and weapons with their serial numbers removed.

The firearms were linked to cases in areas including Philippi East, Manenberg, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Delft, Mfuleni, Athlone, Grassy Park, Steenberg and Bishop Lavis.

Testing Could Connect Multiple Crimes

DA MP and National Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron said he became aware of the alleged delays on 19 May.

Cameron said SAPS procedures require firearms and other exhibits needing forensic examination to be submitted to the Forensic Science Laboratory without unnecessary delays.

As a general rule, exhibits should be forwarded within 24 hours after being booked into an evidence store. Items seized over weekends or public holidays should be sent on the next working day.

Forensic testing can help investigators connect a firearm or suspect to shootings, murders, robberies and other crimes.

Cameron said he requested an urgent written explanation from SAPS. He also asked police to confirm the location of each exhibit, when it was received and whether it had been sent for analysis.

He called for audits of evidence rooms in high-crime precincts, inspections of police dockets and accountability where procedures were ignored.

SAPS Highlights Importance of Analysis

Western Cape police spokesperson Andre Traut said serious and violent firearm-related crimes remained a policing priority, particularly in communities affected by gang violence.

Traut said forensic analysis plays a critical role in investigations. Testing can connect suspects to multiple crimes, identify offenders and strengthen court cases.

Cape Flats Safety Forum chairperson Abie Isaacs also called for a special investigation. His concerns follow previous cases involving firearms that disappeared from the Mitchells Plain and Bellville South police stations.

Isaacs said greater accountability was needed, particularly amid recent mass shootings.