Police seized a record number of more than 2,300 prohibited weapons from minors over the past year. This is shown in new police figures published earlier on Tuesday by Mick van Wely, Crime Station.
Most of the seized items were bladed weapons, with 947 cases recorded. Police also confiscated firearms or firearm parts on 442 occasions. The police say they are concerned about the trend. “Weapon possession among young people deserves full attention,” said Martin Sitalsing, police portfolio holder for Care and Safety.
In recent years, the police have more often compiled inventories of weapons seized from minors. Because not all seizures were previously included, the latest total is higher than expected.
The figures show that the number of seized weapons rose from 1,800 in 2022 to 2,300 last year. Police report an increase across all categories. The number of seized stabbing weapons increased from 742 in 2022 to 947 last year. Seized firearms rose to 442, up from 289 in 2022.
An increase is also seen in the seizure of fireworks from minors. This happened around 3,341 times in 2022, compared with 5,343 times in 2025.
Police believe the online environment plays a major role in weapon possession among young people. Threats of violence are exchanged online, leading some youths to arm themselves. Weapon ownership is also glorified and used as a status symbol. “And anyone who wants a weapon can certainly find one very easily online,” Sitalsing said.
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