Time is running out: Surrender illegal firearms and dodge the bullet

With only a few days left for the firearm amnesty, local police stations are reporting a massive increase in the number of people flocking to their police stations to surrender firearms.

Since the start of the August 1 to January 31 amnesty period, 118 firearms were surrendered at the Reiger Park Police Station, with more than 25 of them surrendered between January 1 and 25. The Boksburg Police Station recorded a total of 63 firearms by January 25, and 23 of them were surrendered between January 1 and 25.

Meanwhile, Boksburg North and Dawn Park police were not immediately available to share their stats.

According to the police, the amnesty, which ends on January 31, allows people to hand in illegal firearms without being prosecuted. After that, those found in possession of illegal weapons will be arrested and prosecuted.

The amnesty also offers an opportunity to surrender firearms of which their licences have expired and allows owners to apply for new licences for these weapons.

The public should contact their local Firearm Registration Centre, situated at police stations, for more information and the times the centre is open to accept firearms handed in.

You can either hand a firearm in for destruction or re-licensing, if it’s a firearm from an estate due to the owner dying or your licence has expired.

The police stated the August 1 to January 31 firearm amnesty period was approved by cabinet last year after the previous amnesty period was hindered, following the restriction of movement during lockdown levels four and five.

To avoid long queues under Covid-19 conditions and strain on members, residents are urged not to wait until the 11th hour. Firearms and ammunition can be handed in between 8am and 3.30pm on weekdays.

Boksburg and Boksburg North police stations have confirmed that their Firearm Registration Centres (FRC), situated at police stations, will be opened on this coming weekend (Saturday and Sunday) to accept firearmshanded in.

Both police stations, Boksburg SAPS and Boksburg North SAPS, will open:  Saturday 7.30AM – 14PM, Sunday 7.30am – 9pm.

“Residents are, however, advised to avoid arriving late. There should at least be there about an hour before closing time, so that they can have enough time to reach their homes before the latest curfew imposed by the government,” warned Boksburg North spokesperson, Constable Justice Ramaube.

Also Read: Reminder: Gun amnesty deadline is drawing closer