Firearm licences must be renewed in time

If you did not hand in your firearm for destruction after its licence expired, you are now in possession of an illegal firearm and you can be charged.

This is according to spokesperson for the Bedforview SAPS, Captain André de Jager.

Capt De Jager said firearm licences are renewable 90 days before the expiry date.

“Owners should ensure that applications are done in advance because the system currently in use will not allow you to renew once there are less than 90 days before expiry,” said Capt De Jager.

He said residents should hand in their firearms to their nearest firearm registration centre based at police stations for destruction.

“If this is not done and we catch you with the gun, you will be arrested. Also, if you use the gun, even if it’s for self defense purposes, we will have to arrest you and you will be charged with possession of an illegal firearm,” he said.

Capt De Jager said once the license has expired, residents wanting new firearms will need to purchase a new one.

“This is because once the licence for the gun expires, it has expired. There is no grace period. You either renew on time, or you hand it in,” he said.

He said residents in possession of one firearm used for self-defence will also need to renew their competency certificates.

“The renewal of both the licence and the competency certificate will cost you R140. For the licence you will need to bring two passport photos, two copies of your ID as well as a copy of the expiring licence. For the certificate you also need to apply 90 days in advance. You will need to bring two written testimonials of persons 21 years and older as well as your expiring certificate,” said Capt De Jager.

“It is important that we emphasise that if people don’t renew their licenses on time, they are in possession of unlicensed firearms and that is a crime,” said Capt De Jager.