Free State Agriculture Warns of Risks from Kroonstad Firearms Theft
Free State Agriculture has raised alarms over the theft of 43 firearms, approximately 1,105 rounds of ammunition, and six bulletproof vests from a municipal building in Kroonstad, South Africa. The theft occurred on December 1, when suspects broke into the Moqhaka Local Municipality building, accessing the Armoury/Amnesty Room. The stolen items include pistols, revolvers, and shotguns. The Free State police have registered a case of business burglary and are conducting an intensive investigation. Dr. Jane Buys, a safety and risk analyst at Free State Agriculture, condemned the thefts, emphasizing the potential use of these weapons in violent crimes against farmers and civilians. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has demanded accountability from municipal leaders, calling for a full inventory of municipal firearms and ammunition, and urging cooperation with the police.