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South African Police Service

National police · Pretoria, South Africa · Last updated · Official site ↗

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Pistol: Beretta PX4 Storm

What gun does the South African Police Service carry?

The South African Police Service's current duty pistol is reportedly the Beretta PX4 Storm (9mm Luger), per news or manufacturer reports; based on a 2010 source and not re-verified since. No general-issue patrol rifle is sourced: the Vektor R5 (5.56x45mm NATO) is listed, but its entry doesn't say it is general issue.

Type
National police
Location
Pretoria, South Africa
Entries
3 current · 0 previous3 sources cited
Last updated
Oct 11, 2026newest source Aug 13, 2026

Quick answers

What caliber does the South African Police Service use?

The South African Police Service's current duty pistol is reportedly the Beretta PX4 Storm, chambered in 9mm Luger, per news or manufacturer reports.

What rifle does the South African Police Service use?

No general-issue patrol rifle is sourced for the South African Police Service: the Vektor R5 (5.56x45mm NATO) is listed, but its entry doesn't say it is general issue. Each rifle entry on this page gives its role and source.

Duty Arms Index1,285 agencies3,201 sourced entriesUpdated Oct 11, 2026How we source

Patrol / duty issue

At a glance

CategoryCurrent primary issueEntries
PistolsBeretta PX4 StormWho else issues it →2
Rifles / CarbinesVektor R5Not stated as general issueWho else issues it →1
ShotgunsNot yet sourced—
Precision / Sniper RiflesNot yet sourced—
SMGs / Pistol-Caliber CarbinesNot yet sourced—
Duty AmmunitionNot yet sourced—

Loadout

How the current duty weapons are configured, per the sourced entries below. Optic and light models are shown only when a source names them.

Duty pistol

Beretta PX4 Storm

Reliable secondary
Generic illustration
Issued configuration
Pistol
Beretta PX4 Storm
Caliber
9mm Luger
Pistol optic
Not yet sourced
Light
Not yet sourced
Rifle / carbine (not general issue)

Vektor R5

Official source
Generic illustration
Issued configuration
Rifle
Vektor R5
Caliber
5.56x45mm NATO
Rifle optic
Not yet sourced
Light
Not yet sourced

Pistols

2 current
Generic illustration

Beretta PX4 Storm

Reliable secondary1 source
9mm LugerPrimary duty
Dates2006 – present
As ofOct 11, 2026

Orders over the four years to Jan. 2010 (approx.).

Service pistol bought for new recruits (orders from about 2006 to 2010 reported by defenceWeb), complementing the older Vektor Z88.

Generic illustration

Vektor Z88

Reliable secondary2 sources
9mm LugerPrimary duty
DatesJan 1, 1988 – present
As ofOct 11, 2026

Long-standing SAPS service pistol (Denel/Vektor, first delivered to the police in 1988 per defenceWeb); MyBroadband (2020) says officers are generally issued the Z88. Spares no longer made, so it is being supplemented by the PX4 Storm.

Rifles / Carbines

1 current
Generic illustration

Vektor R5

Official source2 sources
5.56x45mm NATOOther
DatesCurrent (start date unknown)
As ofOct 11, 2026

SAPS rifle named in the Minister's 2026 parliamentary reply. Press says flying squad and rapid-response members carry it; not stated as general issue.

Not yet sourced for this agency

ShotgunsPrecision / Sniper RiflesSMGs / Pistol-Caliber CarbinesDuty Ammunition

Know of a public source (policy manual, contract, press release, news)? Submit it.

Compare SAPS with other agencies

Corrections & change log

  • Oct 11, 2026 · Imported from public source(s): defenceWeb; MyBroadband
  • Oct 11, 2026 · Imported from public source(s): defenceWeb
  • Oct 11, 2026 · Imported from public source(s): Minister of Police, Parliament of South Africa (via PMG); MyBroadband

Agency-level equipment only, from public sources. No individual officers, no unit specifics beyond what the agency has published. Not affiliated with South African Police Service. Agency listing source: link.