There is less than four months left of the firearm amnesty period and police are encouraging the public to surrender illegal or unwanted firearms, ammunition and/or firearm parts.
The amnesty is in efforts to save lives, reduce and prevent crime and ease the proliferation of illegal firearms in the country.
The amnesty period will allow South Africans an opportunity to surrender illegal or unwanted firearms, ammunition or firearm parts to help clear illegal guns from the streets without prosecution.
Boksburg North SAPS spokesperson Const Justice Ramaube said people are forthcoming thus far.
“I could safely say we received many firearms so far. This includes all types of firearms, from pistols to assault rifles. Some of the weapons were licensed and others unlicensed. For safety reasons, the exact number surrendered may not be revealed,” said Ramaube.
He said that all surrendered firearms must undergo Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) testing to determine whether it might have been involved in crime.
“It was announced that had you not renewed your firearm licence, you could possibly be arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm.”
Requirements needed for the application documents are:
• Two certified copies of identity documents
• Certified proof of residential address
• Two colour ID-size photos
• Certified copy of expired licence, front and back.
“We encourage a gun-free environment, while also serving our duty to make sure that our community is and feels safe.”
