Firearms amnesty deadline looms

The minister of police has declared a firearm amnesty period of six months commencing on August 1 to January 31 through a publication of a notice in the Government Gazette.
The amnesty period creates an opportunity for the public to surrender unwanted firearms or firearms they possess illegally, as well as ammunition and/or firearm parts to the SAPS without fear of being prosecuted for the unlawful possession of the equipment.
The objectives of the amnesty period are to reduce the large pool of illegal/unwanted firearms, ammunition and/or firearm parts that are in circulation in the country.
A person who surrenders his/her firearm during the period of amnesty, will be required to complete and sign the necessary forms at the nearest police station, and must insist on a copy of the SAPS 548 (amnesty form).
In terms of section 139(4)(a) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000), a person who surrenders a firearm in compliance with the notice published in terms of subsection (1), may apply for a licence in respect of that firearm.

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A person who applies for a firearm licence as indicated above must comply with the provisions of the Act applicable to the licensing of a firearm, which includes the following:
• The limitation on the number of firearms for different categories a person may legally possess.
• The applicant must be in possession of a valid competency certificate for the firearm for which the licence is applied for.
A person who applies for a firearms licence is required to physically hand in the firearm to the designated amnesty official and lodge an application within 14 days.
Only the person who surrenders the firearm may apply for a licence in respect of that firearm.
The application for the firearm licence must be submitted to the relevant designated amnesty official responsible for the area in which the applicant resides, and must comply with the following:
• A certified copy of the applicant’s competency certificate (if already issued).
• In cases where the applicant does not possess a competency certificate, he/she must apply for a competency certificate in accordance with the provisions of the Firearms Control Act.
• Complete form SAPS 271 on which the applicant has indicated his/her intention to apply for the specific firearms licence. The application for a firearm licence will only be accepted by the official on condition that it is in compliance with the provision of the Firearms Controls Act.

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• Provide a comprehensive motivation to support the need for the firearms licence, preferably a statement under oath or affirmation.
• Provide a certified copy of the legal firearm licence, permit or authorisation applicable to the specific firearm (if applicable).
WO PW Bosch, the designated amnesty officer, and the SAPS13 clerk will be available in room 13 of the detective block “e ma zozweni” at Kwa-Thema Police Station situated at 1 Habede Street, Tornado.
Citizens wishing to take advantage of this amnesty period are welcome to visit the station or enquire on 011 812 4626.

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