Midrand police are encouraging owners of firearms whose licences have expired to surrender their firearm and, if they wish, reapply for a licence.
Spokesperson of the Midrand Police Station Sergeant Matome Tlamela said many citizens who were lawful owners of firearms needed to be made aware that a firearm amnesty had been granted and extended from 1 August this year to 31 January next year. “Despite the unexpected pandemic, the South African Police Service received 44 033 firearms and 246 060 rounds of ammunition,” she said.
She explained that amnesty had been declared because of the large number of firearm owners who have not renewed their licences and because of the large number of unlicensed firearms within communities.
Tlamela added that citizens were reminded that police minister Bheki Cele had approached parliament to consider a new application for a period of six months to reduce the proliferation of unlawful and unwanted firearms, which was approved by parliament. “The amnesty includes surrendering of all illegal firearms, unwanted firearms and ammunition as well as parts of firearms.”
Tlamela said firearms that have not been renewed by legal owners were also regarded as illegal. “Persons who are in possession of these illegal firearms can surrender them and will not be prosecuted during the amnesty period, however, all these firearms will be sent to forensic ballistics to determine whether or not a crime has been committed with the said firearm.”
Tlamela added that legal owners of firearms must take note that the process included surrendering the firearm, and the owner had 14 days to reapply for a firearm licence and not renew the licence once it had expired. “The reapplication has to have a detailed motivation letter stating why they require the firearm.” If the person who surrenders the firearm does not re-apply for a licence within 14 days, the firearm will be forfeited to the state and destroyed. “
No reapplication will be accepted without the firearm being surrendered.” Police also encourage owners in possession of firearms to check the expiry date on the licences and renew these licences three months prior to the expiry date to avoid the reapplication process.
The following documents will be required when applying:
• ID
• Training/ competency certificate
• Two colour passport-size photos
• Motivation as to why you require a firearm
• Substantiating documents, e.g. proof of residence, proof of employment etc.
• Photos of one’s safe
• Copy of police 548 amnesty form from police amnesty official
• Copy of police 522(A) surrendering form from police amnesty official
• R140 payment.
Enquiries can be made at Midrand Police Station’s Firearm Registration Centre or call 011 347 1680 and speak to Captain Elies or Warrant Officer Makwela between 8am and 3pm, Monday to Friday. Applications can be submitted between 8am and 1pm.
