Section 6
Destruction process & operations
First, a safe destruction site is selected. Any civilian population close to the destruction site is warned beforehand of the destruction that is going to take place. Precise and meticulous record is kept of all the weaponry to be destroyed by the police, in the form of written records, video and photographic material.
The weaponry is placed in a hole and destroyed; either in the original cache or a hole is created. The first layer of weaponry is placed on the bottom to create a level surface for the explosives that are placed on top, followed by two layers of weaponry and then more explosives. This is repeated until the process is complete. In cases of extremely large quantities of weaponry to be destroyed, a second stack will normally be built after the first has been destroyed.
The composition of the stack depends on the type of weaponry, their net explosive content, and type of ammunition present. The explosives in the stack are detonated with the detonation directed towards the ground, which will minimize the fragmentation hazard.
After the detonation has taken place the point of detonation is inspected to ensure that all charges have detonated fully and that all weaponry has been destroyed.
Between 1999 and October 2001 a number of smaller ad hoc operations were carried out, which resulted in a smaller number of arms of war and other war-related materials been destroyed. These ad hoc operations will take place when information is received about a particular arms cache, usually close to the RSA border, or when the information indicates that the arm cache will soon be removed by criminal elements.
Before an ad hoc operation can take place, approval for the relevant police officials executing the operation to cross into the neighbouring country where the arms caches are located, must first be obtained. These ad hoc operations are usually very short and are not expensive, nor are a lot of police officials from both sides involved.
Not all of the statistics of the ad hoc operations are included in this section, as it makes up a very small number of firearms destroyed by Operation Rachel. The statistics provided here are mere indications of what are destroyed in such small operations.
Operation Rachel One
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
11-10-1995 26-10-1995 Southern Mozambique: Maputo & Gaza R 301 223 45 Not available 8 47 981 91 17 1 6 1 0 438 416 36 401 178 15 95 201 23 153 3 35.75 700 0 |
Operation Rachel Two
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
30-09-1996 05-10-1996 Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane Provinces R 565 033 36 22 13 52 355 68 17 209 5 0 230 66 589 37 636 48 44 577 49 136 639 4 55 100 0 |
Operation Rachel Three
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
21-07-1997 |
Operation Rachel Four
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
05-10-1998 19-10-1998 Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala, Zambezia, Monhica Provinces R 830 807 11 8 10 6 756 94 98 36 0 0 0 56 64 3 1 355 70 3 6 1 16 754 3 1 10 0 |
Operation Rachel Five (1)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
20-02-1999 28-02-1999 Gaza R 40 919 8 4 1 355 84 6 0 0 0 0 0 13 186 1 20 967 1 13 17 11 059 0 0 0 0 |
Operation Rachel Five (2)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
18-04-1999 26-04-1999 Gaza R 40 919 10 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 1 0 1 073 0 0 0 0 |
Operation Rachel Five (3)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
13-07-1999 17-07-1999 Maputo R 24 760.26 6 6 198 7 446 347 98 36 0 0 0 56 64 3 1 355 70 3 6 1 16 754 3 1.5 0 0 |
Operation Rachel Five (4)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
13-10-1999 23-10-1999 Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane R 830 807 11 8 10 6 756 94 98 36 0 0 0 56 64 3 1 355 70 3 6 1 16 754 3 1 10 0 |
Operation Rachel Six (1)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
11-05-2000 19-05-2000 Maputo, Sofala R 296 415 17 20 0 0 151 0 0 5 1 6 0 16 6 0 76 0 230 17 71 25 000 0 30 0 0 |
Operation Rachel Six (2)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
11-06-2000 |
Operation Rachel AD HOC 1
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
16-07-2000 21-07-2000 Gaza Not available 6 6 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 800 0 0 0 0 |
Operation Rachel Six (3)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
16-07-2000 |
Operation Rachel AD HOC 2
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available 0 0 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 32 7 0 3 4 450 0 0.5 150 0 |
Operation Rachel Six (4)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other | Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available 8 8 386 46 8 8 386 46 8 8 386 46 8 8 386 46 8 8 386 1 5 000 11 |
Operation Rachel Six (5)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other | Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available 1 11 335 34 0 0 0 0 4 12 0 6 34 0 2 0 19 4 000 0 0 0 0 |
Operation Rachel AD HOC 3
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
27-03-2001 29-03-2001 Gaza Not available Not available Not available 0 0 9 2 0 0 0 0 60 60 0 0 0 9 0 0 2 5 000 0 0 0 0 |
Operation Rachel Seven (1)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
06-05-2001 |
Operation Rachel AD HOC 4
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
08-07-2001 10-07-2001 Maputo Not available 6 1 35 0 32 5 0 0 0 0 0 94 0 2 62 4 0 0 11 4 000 0 0 0 0 |
Operation Rachel Seven (2)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
08-09-2001 |
Operation Rachel Eight (1)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other |
21-10-2002 03-06-2002 Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala, Zambezia, Tete, Nampula, Cabo Delgado R 550 057.20 20 12 6 1 026 1 2 246 0 109 0 1 0 321 38 2 227 16 9 132 4 157 39 257 1.2 million 4 0 |
Operation Rachel Eight (2)
| Start date of operations End date of operations Provinces of operation Budget allocated for operation Number of South African police members involved in operation Number of Mozambican police members involved in operation HANDGUNS LIGHT / HEAVY MACHINE GUNS RIFLES SUB-MACHINE GUNS BOOSTERS / ROCKET MOTORS CANNON / GUN AMMUNITION CANNONS / GUNS DEMOLITION MINE / CHARGE DETONATORS GRENADES INITIATORS / FUSES LAUNCHERS MAGAZINES MORTAR BOMBS MORTARS PERSONNEL MINES PROJECTILES / ROCKETS / MISSILES SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION VEHICLE MINES Kilograms of explosives destroyed Meters of detonation cord destroyed Other | 13-10-1999 23-10-1999 Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala, Zambezia, Tete, Nampula, Cabo Delgado R 644 470.91 21 12 33 5 2 1 33 24 45 42 2 282 6 70 2 80 4 1 2 630 |
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