Addressing misinformation regarding firearm and equipment records
20 May 2025
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE METRO POLICE CHIEF, WAYNE LE ROUX
The Cape Town Metro Police Department notes with concern the recent circulation of misinformation by the National Coloured Congress (NCC) regarding the alleged disappearance of firearms and accessories.
We wish to reassure the public that these claims are not only inaccurate, but appear to be part of a broader, deliberate campaign to discredit the City’s Safety and Security Directorate.
We remain committed to the highest standards of transparency, compliance, and cooperation with all relevant oversight bodies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Clarification on Roni (Carbine Conversion) Kits
A recent claim made by Mr Fadiel Adams on social media alleges that six Roni conversion kits are missing. This is factually incorrect.
The City currently uses Roni devices, which are not firearms, but firearm accessories that cannot function independently.
During the March 2025 annual asset verification, it was established that one kit could not be located.
The matter was formally reported to SAPS, and an internal investigation was initiated in accordance with due process.
The suggestion that six units are unaccounted for is a gross misrepresentation that unnecessarily stokes public concern and diverts attention from accurate reporting.
Context on Historical SAPS Report and Alleged “Missing Firearms”
Mr Adams has also persistently referenced selective excerpts from a 2022 SAPS report issued to Metro Police, while deliberately omitting a critical declaration from Metro Police that clearly states the firearms referenced were never handed over to the City during the 2002 amalgamation of municipalities.
The City’s Metro Police Department, since its inception, has only procured Glock firearms, and none of the alleged missing firearms listed in the SAPS report are Glocks. The City, notwithstanding its armoury of over 5000 firearms, has only had one firearm reported stolen which remains outstanding, during an armed robbery perpetrated against a City official in the past two years.
We fully welcome a formal SAPS inquiry or forensic investigation into the matter. A recent SAPS inspection - conducted less than two weeks ago - confirmed our adherence to required standards.
Record-Keeping Challenges: A National Concern
It is widely acknowledged that longstanding systemic data migration issues exist within the Central Firearms Register (CFR), particularly relating to the transition from the Electronic Firearm Register System (EFRS) to the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000).
These historical challenges have affected accurate firearm record-keeping nationally and continue to cause confusion and inaccuracies in official databases.
The City has been, and continues, to address these issues with the SAPS in order to ensure the official databases reflect accurate information, as these date back to firearms registration in the mid 1990’s to early 2000’s before the amalgamation of the various municipalities into one unicity.
Misuse of Internal Documentation
The unauthorised distribution and selective quoting of internal documentation suggest intentional distortion aimed at undermining public confidence in a vital City enforcement agency.
We wish to emphasise that Cape Town’s enforcement officers operate in some of the country’s most high-risk environments. Irresponsible public messaging - particularly on social media - endangers these officers and erodes the trust communities place in them.
The Cape Town Metro Police Department reaffirms that:
Our firearm management systems are secure and subject to continuous SAPS oversight.
Investigations and audits are conducted in accordance with national standards.
Any attempt to politicise safety efforts, discredit officers, or mislead the public is irresponsible and will be challenged with the facts. Political officer bearers are not involved with the management of the armoury or firearms.
We remain a service-driven department dedicated to protecting all residents and upholding the rule of law.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
