Hundreds of swords, machetes, ninja stars handed in at SA Police stations during knife amnesty

In the first fortnight of South Australia’s knife amnesty, nearly 500 weapons, including swords, machetes and ninja stars, have been anonymously handed in.

Hundreds of swords and machetes – as well as ninja stars and daggers – have been handed in at police stations across South Australia during the first 11 days of a knife amnesty.

Almost 500 weapons – including 231 machetes, 139 swords and 115 other implements – have been surrendered between July 1, when the surrender period began, and July 11.

Although the reprieve does not cover ninja stars, daggers or bayonets, some people offloaded these weapons, as well.

Some of the weapons handed in so far during the state government's knife amnesty. Picture: SA Police".

As of the start of this month, machetes and swords are classified as prohibited weapons in SA. This means anyone caught possessing, using, manufacturing, selling or supplying the weapons faces a maximum penalty of a $20,000 fine or two years in jail.

Exemptions are available for people who possess or use such items in certain circumstances, including in food preparation, for business purposes or for religious reasons.

During the three-month surrender period, swords and machetes can be handed in anonymously at any police station, except the Hindley and Grenfell St stations, in the city.

Attorney-General Kyam Mah­­er said that it was an “encouraging start to this phase of our nation-leading knife crime reforms”.

Attorney-General Kyam Mah­­er said that it was an “encouraging start to this phase.. Picture: SA Police".

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Since this surrender period was announced, South Australians have been handing in an average of about 40 illegal swords and machetes a day. Picture: SA Police".

Since this surrender period was announced, South Australians have been handing in an average of about 40 illegal swords and machetes a day,” he said.

“We appreciate seeing so many members of the community being ready to back these new laws in by doing the right thing and getting rid of these dangerous weapons.”

SA Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Fitzgerald agreed, saying: “We have 485 dangerous weapons now safely out of our homes, streets and communities.”

According to the SA Police website, anyone transporting swords and machetes to a police station should ensure the weapon is safe by covering the blade with a sheath or thick cardboard that is fixed or sticky-taped in place.

“We appreciate seeing so many members of the community being ready to back these new laws,” Kyam Maher. Pic Roy VanDerVegt

Once the amnesty expires, people can still hand in their swords and machetes at police stations. However, they will be required to provide their personal details.

The prohibition is part of a suite of knife reforms instigated by the state government this year.

Under the changes, children under 18 are now banned from buying dangerous knives in any circumstances. Previously, such a ban only applied to those aged under 16.

Earlier this year, police were given stronger powers to conduct metal detector searches.

This followed several serious incidents involving knives and machetes.

Originally published as Hundreds of swords, machetes, ninja stars handed in at SA Police stations during knife amnesty