The 50th Annual South African Combat Rifle Association (SACRA) Championship officially kicked off on 2 August 2025 at the Gen De Wet Shooting Range in De Brug, Bloemfontein. The event marks a major milestone in the country’s efforts to hone firearm skills among security and law enforcement professionals.
The prestigious competition began with a ceremonial opening, where Major General Len Singh, SAPS Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Support Services, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Provincial Commissioner. “It is both a privilege and an honour to stand before you today at this prestigious event — the official opening of the Practical Pistol Shooting and Combat Rifle Competitions,” he stated.
Running until 10 August, this golden anniversary edition features 235 participants from across all nine provinces, including representatives from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Department of Correctional Services.
Highlighting its international appeal, the championship also welcomes three global teams representing the Kingdom of Lesotho, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. Competitors will engage in rigorous shooting drills using official R1 and R5 rifles, with targets placed at distances ranging from 100 to 400 metres.
Colonel Conrad Fouché, Chairperson of the SAPS Combat Rifle Association, emphasized that the championship’s objective is to improve firearm handling skills among South Africa’s uniformed services.
This event is not just about winning — it’s about precision, discipline, and the commitment to service excellence,” Fouché said.
Participants will be judged across multiple categories including individual contests, service-specific divisions, and international team events — making this one of the most comprehensive and competitive skill showcases in SACRA’s history.
