Amnesty on firearms extended to January 2021
All firearms handed in will undergo ballistic testing to ensure they have not been used in the commission of any crime before they can be considered for destruction.
A new firearm amnesty for a period of six months commenced August 1 until January 31 next year has been approved by parliament.
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 pandemic.
Booysens SAPS spokesperson Capt Lorraine van Emmerik said despite this, the SAPS received a resounding 46 714 firearms.
“We believe there are much more firearms out there that still need to be surrendered. We are confident the response to the previous amnesty would have been even more resounding if it were not for the pandemic. “The restrictions of levels five and four somewhat prevented people from turning in illegal as well as their unlicensed and unwanted firearms and ammunition.
“This had prompted minister of police Gen Bheki Cele to approach parliament to approve a new application of a six-month amnesty period. The approval of the new application has been published in the Government Gazette on July 31 which now allows all persons with illegal or unwanted firearms as well as ammunition to hand them in at their nearest police station.
“We are urging people to take advantage of this period either to hand in those firearms and ammunition either for destruction or renewal of a competency certificate and a valid licence,” she said.
The latest national crime statistics once again show that firearms were the preferred weapon in the commission of most of the violent crime. Reducing the circulation of firearms may potentially reduce the scourge of violent crimes quite significantly.
The firearm amnesty envisages a reduced number of illegally possessed firearms in circulation in the country. It therefore provides firearm owners with the opportunity to hand in illegal and unwanted firearms which will result in the prevention of crime and promotion of safety to ensure people living in South Africa are and feel safe.
It must be noted that no indemnity will be granted for firearms used to commit any crime.
All firearms handed in will undergo ballistic testing to ensure they have not been used in the commission of any crime before they can be considered for destruction.
For firearm amnesty enquiries contact Booysens Flash office on 011 433 5363, 011 433 534 or 079 899 4119 during office hours or the police station closest to you.
