A local pastor is teaming up with the Selma Police Department, city government and businesses to get illegal guns off the streets.

Macedonia Apostolic Church, located at 2013 Clinton Ave. is hosting its fourth annual gun buyback Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We’ve suffered many firearm deaths and injuries in the past, and they are still going on today, so I feel like we have to make every effort and opportunity we can to try to remove these illegal guns off the streets,” said Robert Pettus, pastor of Macedonia.

The church will buy guns of all kinds from people with no questions asked.

“Our hope is to remove all illegal guns and stolen guns off the streets. I really see that every gun we remove from the streets as a success,” Pettus said.

Each gun is worth $75, and Pettus hopes to have at least $5,000 to buy as many guns as they can.

“Every little bit helps,” Pettus said. “With the homicide rate going up, this buyback can’t hurt. It can only help. Along with other programs that focus on stopping the violence in our city and the crime, we can have a reduction of crime in our city.”

Guns must be transported in a clear plastic bag and must be separated from ammunition. If transported by car, the guns must be kept in the trunk.

Pettus said the guns that will be collected Saturday will be destroyed.

“We understand that we are not going to be able to get all the guns, but one thing we do know is that the ones we do get will never be used to harm anybody, or to rob anybody,” Pettus said. “The guns that we collect will be broken down, melted down and destroyed.”

Pettus said last year more than 60 guns were bought back and destroyed. Pettus said he hopes to get even more guns off the street this year.

“We don’t want any more senseless killings, so we’re trying to do all we can to help curb that,” Pettus said.

People interested in more information can call Pettus at 875-5338.