Mark Shaw

Give Us More Guns: How South Africa's Gangs were Armed

Give Us More Guns: How South Africa's Gangs were Armed

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Colonel Christiaan Prinsloo, former head of the Gauteng firearm license division, and his network of cronies sold guns decommissioned by the SAPS to South Africa's gang lords, leading to a killing spree of unprecedented proportions. This book explores how the illegally sold guns got into the hands of South Africa's crime bosses and describes the bloodbath that ensued. It also uncovers accounts of rampant corruption within the police and in the gun-licensing system, probing the government failure that has been instrumental in arming the country's gangsters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Jonathan Ball Publishers SA


It was a chilling tale of criminal misconduct that left a lasting impact on South Africa's post-apartheid society. Between 2011 and 2019, a senior police officer, Colonel Christiaan Prinsloo, and his network of cronies engaged in a heinous act that resulted in the deaths of at least a thousand people. This officer, who previously held the position of head of the Gauteng firearm license division, orchestrated the illegal sale of a substantial cache of guns that had been decommissioned by the South African Police Service (SAPS). These weapons were then sold to notorious gang lords in South Africa, leading to a killing spree of unprecedented proportions.

To shed light on this tragic event, author Shaw conducted extensive interviews with police officers and members of the criminal underworld. Through their accounts, the book vividly portrays the events that unfolded and uncovers the intricate details of how the illegally sold guns found their way into the hands of South Africa's crime bosses. The book also delves into the bloodbath that ensued as a result of this criminal decision, providing a harrowing account of the lives lost and the destruction caused.

Furthermore, the book explores the rampant corruption within the police and the gun-licensing system, shedding light on the government failure that has played a significant role in arming the country's gangsters. It raises important questions about the accountability and transparency of these institutions and highlights the need for urgent reform to address the root causes of this crisis.

This story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of criminal misconduct and the urgent need for effective law enforcement and governance to protect the safety and well-being of South Africa's citizens. It is a story that must be known and remembered, as it serves as a cautionary tale for future generations.

Weight: 234g
Dimension: 132 x 197 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781776191406

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