IF YOU own a gun and want to make use of the extended amnesty period to license, renew an existing licence or relinquish fi rearms owned by late family members, both Malvern and Bellair SAPS are working on an appointment basis to help you.
Gun amnesty
“The previous amnesty period, which was also intended for a period of six months, between December 2019 and May 2020, was thwarted by the unexpected Covid-19 pandemic,” said SAPS spokesperson Col. Brenda Muridili speaking when the extension of the amnesty period was announced at the end of July.
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Muridili said restrictions on movement between levels 5 and 4 under the nationwide lockdown prevented people from turning in illegal as well as their unlicensed and unwanted firearms and ammunition.
Lockdown
Despite the lockdown, SAPS reported in August that it had received 46 714 firearms during the period until May.
“However, we believe that there are much more firearms out there that still need to be surrendered and we are confi dent the response to the previous amnesty would have been even more resounding if it were not for the pandemic,” said Muridili in July when the extension of the amnesty to January was announced.
Muridili explained that surrendered firearms were all subjected to ballistic testing to ensure that they had not been used in the commission of any crimes before being sent for destruction.
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“It must be noted that no indemnity will be granted for firearms used to commit any crime.”
Malvern SAPS
Sgt Sthembile Kheswa, communications offi cer for Malvern SAPS said the firearm amnesty entails granting immunity against prosecution for people who find themselves, unlawfully in possession of a firearm, ammunition or firearm parts.
“The amnesty period provides an opportunity for people to surrender unwanted fi rearms, parts of fi rearms, or ammunition to their nearest SAPS without the fear of being charged for unlawful possession.”
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Another aspect of the amnesty period is that it will allow those who are wanting to apply for a licence for their guns to do so without fear that they will be charged for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Lt Col Val Reddy, station commander at Malvern SAPS said this was an opportunity she hoped many in the community would take advantage of.
Anyone wanting to surrender an unwanted firearm, illegal firearm or parts of firearms or ammunition can contact W/O Kobus Huyzer on 0837778629, or W/O Meena Raghoonunan on 031 489 9632, to secure an appointment to visit Malvern SAPS.
“We are working on an appointment basis only to ensure we comply with Covid-19 regulations,” explained Kheswa.
Bellair SAPS
Gun owners in Bellair can contact W/O Prakash Kumar on 031 4512807 or 031 451 2865 to book an appointment.
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At the time of publication, the contents of this article mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.
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